Overview
- Multiple outlets citing The Bell report that Apple has asked Samsung to boost LPDDR5X supply, with additional talks involving SK Hynix and Micron.
- Because LPDDR5X modules from Samsung are reportedly available only in 12GB and 16GB, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to start at 12GB.
- The upgrade would move the base model up from the iPhone 17’s 8GB and align it with current Pro and Air variants at 12GB for the first time.
- Some reports add that Apple is planning a six‑channel LPDDR5X setup to increase memory bandwidth for tasks like camera processing, gaming, and local AI.
- Coverage also points to a staggered rollout: higher‑end iPhone 18 models in fall 2026, with the base iPhone 18 and 18e following in spring 2027, though Apple has not confirmed these details.