When flagship Android phones used to dominate with 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S line's lead over the iPhone was unquestionable. However, with rumors of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series featuring 16GB of RAM, the competition seems to be shifting. On the other hand, Apple's iPhone 17 series is expected to stick with 12GB of RAM, but rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 models could all receive 12GB of RAM next year. This narrowing gap in RAM capacity between the Galaxy S line and the iPhone reflects a new era of smartphone competition.
AI-centered features in modern smartphones have raised the importance of higher RAM capacities. While Apple ensures that its budget models like the iPhone 16e have at least 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence, Samsung is pushing boundaries with 16GB of RAM on its flagship devices. The rise in RAM capacity in smartphones showcases the growing demand for enhanced multitasking capabilities and AI integration in mobile devices.
TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction of all iPhone 18 models receiving 12GB of RAM next year signifies Apple's commitment to keeping up with the evolving smartphone landscape. The reduction in the RAM gap between the iPhone and Galaxy S series highlights a new era of equal footing in the flagship smartphone market. As users increasingly demand higher RAM capacities for enhanced performance and AI capabilities, smartphone manufacturers are responding with innovative solutions and competitive offerings.
