With budget-friendly iPhone e models expected to continue expanding into March 2027 with the iPhone 18e, new rumours suggest that Apple intends to offer a strong memory upgrade for the device despite the persistent supply constraints.
The new iPhone 18e is expected to have 9GB of RAM as opposed to 8GB, according to analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu.
Although the upgrade might seem limited, it should enhance the AI capabilities on the devices, facilitating smoother operation of Apple Intelligence features and minimising cloud resource consumption.
Moreover, the upgrade comes as a surprise as DRAM memory chips are in short supply in the smartphone market.
Leading brands such as Samsung, Micron and SK Hynix have moved towards High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), a memory type that is very popular in AI data centres.
This has shrunk the availability of regular DRAM for handsets driven by the high prices of the components.
Read next: Apple tipped to rethink iPhone launch cycle with iPhone 18
The least amount of RAM Apple needs is 8GB to enable Apple Intelligence, and more sophisticated AI capabilities will require even more.
The move to 9GB could help future-proof the lower-priced model as Apple continues expanding its AI capabilities.
In addition to the memory upgrade, the iPhone 18e is said to have a 60Hz refresh rate and a 6.1-inch OLED display resolution of 1170 x 2532.
It will be expected to be powered by Apple’s new A20 processor at 2nm, and feature 256GB and 512GB storage in addition.
The device will keep the same 48mp rear camera and 24mp selfie camera, as per leaks.
The 9GB RAM upgrade will also be available for the standard iPhone 18 as well, when it will be released with the iPhone 18e next year.
Also read: Apple rumoured to launch foldable iPhone Ultra in September