The iPhone’s design is truly iconic. Its rectangular form has significantly influenced smartphone aesthetics since the original iPhone launched in 2007, and that trend shows no signs of fading. However, the internal design of the device may undergo substantial changes. Reports suggest that Apple plans to reconfigure iPhone hardware to enhance its AI capabilities.
In essence, Apple’s new approach involves incorporating discrete memory instead of integrated memory. These terms refer to memory components that are either separated or combined. In the system on a chip (SoC), memory that is directly built into the chip is classified as integrated memory. Discrete memory, on the other hand, would involve RAM that is packaged independently from the SoC. If the speculation holds true, Apple is expected to introduce discrete memory systems in 2026, leading to improved data speed and enhanced AI functionality, as noted by The Elec.
The current architecture utilizing integrated memory debuted with the iPhone 4 and quickly gained popularity due to its compact design. However, this arrangement limits connection points, which can result in slower speeds.
Switching to discrete memory in the upcoming iPhone 18—the first model slated for this upgrade—could enable faster data transfer rates. Additionally, separating the RAM from the SoC could improve heat management, which is crucial given the intense energy demands of on-device AI processing.
Nevertheless, unless there are physical size increases in the iPhone, certain components may need to decrease in size, specifically the battery. While battery technology is rapidly progressing, achieving consistent battery life remains a challenge for manufacturers. If Apple needs to downsize the iPhone 18’s battery to support additional RAM, it may adversely affect overall usage time.
