The next iPhone 18 could mark a break in Apple’s memory policy. According to several industry leaks, the base model would increase from 8 to 12 GB of RAM. This 50% jump would be accompanied by a new chip A20 engraved in 2 nm at TSMC.
In a context of rising DRAM prices, some are already fearing a “RAMageddon”. Apple would, however, make the opposite choice by strengthening its entry-level rather than restricting it. Behind this movement lies a clear objective: to prepare for the era of Apple Intelligence executed mainly locally.
iPhone 18 12GB RAM and 2nm A20 chip: what do the leaks say?
Reports cited by Notebookcheck suggest a iPhone 18 12 GB RAM already planned. The standard model would thus catch up with future iPhone 17 Pro in memory capacity. For the user, this means more apps in memory, fewer reloads and better performance of future versions of iOS.
The chip A20 would move to 2 nm on the N2 process of TSMCwith around 15% more performance for consumption close to current 3nm chips. Associated with packaging WMCMwhich integrates the RAM directly into the SoC module, this engraving must offer more memory bandwidth and less energy loss.
iPhone 18 and Apple Intelligence: what will 12 GB of RAM change in everyday life?
With 12 GB of RAM, iPhone 18 will be able to keep more apps active without slowing down. The functions of Apple Intelligence like summaries, text generation or image editing require precisely this margin to run locally. Over four or five years of use, this surplus should preserve fluidity with iOS 27.
The packaging WMCM Brings SoC and RAM closer together, and reduces the distances traveled by data. Result: less latency, contained heating and better autonomy, especially in 3D gaming or extended video. This compact integration can also free up space for the battery without thickening the chassis.
iPhone 18 A20 2 nm: what timetable, what impact on your purchases in France?
The latest rumors suggest a split launch: the iPhone 18 Pro would remain planned for fall 2026, the iPhone 18 and 18th would slip to spring 2027. This shift would leave TSMC time to ramp up on 2nm and the new integrated memory modules.
At the same time, several analysts believe that Apple has already reserved a major part of the 2nm capacity of TSMC for its future A20s M6 and mixed reality chips, thereby locking out competitive access to this node. For you, the issue is simple: if you are aiming for long-term use with many artificial intelligence functions, wait for a iPhone 18 12 GB RAM makes sense, otherwise a discounted iPhone 17 will remain a solid option.