Apple's base-model iPhone 18 is expected to launch in early 2027 and could feature 12GB of RAM and a new Dynamic Island design, a forecast said.

IT outlet 9to5Mac reported on Aug. 12 that analyst Jeff Pu, citing supply-chain checks and sources, expects two Pro-level changes for the base-model iPhone 18.

The focus is memory and the front design. Pu expects the base-model iPhone 18 could have 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the iPhone 17. He also suggested a new Dynamic Island design, expected to be unveiled for the first time next month, could be applied to the base model.

The launch schedule could also change. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max at its September event in the coming weeks, but the base-model iPhone 18 is expected to be excluded. Instead, the Pro and Pro Max and the iPhone Ultra could come first, with the base-model iPhone 18 potentially launching in early 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.

Expectations for RAM capacity are mixed. Ming-Chi Kuo recently forecast the base-model iPhone 18 would have 9GB of RAM rather than 12GB. Pu, however, identified the iPhone 18e as the model that would have 9GB of RAM and wrote that the base-model iPhone 18 could get 12GB. He also noted both models would use an A20 chip.

Changes to the Dynamic Island are drawing more attention. Apple first introduced the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro, but the base-model iPhone 14 in the same generation kept the notch. It was not until the iPhone 15 that the Dynamic Island expanded to cheaper models. This time, observers are suggesting Apple could bring the new design to the base model more quickly.

If these changes materialise, some adjustments could become unavoidable in how Apple differentiates the base model from higher-end models. However, the details are forecasts based on the supply chain and sources, not an official announcement. Apple's September event is expected to focus first on the Pro lineup and whether the Ultra will be unveiled, followed by attention on the actual composition and specifications of the base-model lineup in early 2027.