Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Leak Says iPhone 18 Pro RAM Upgrade Was Planned, Foldable Supply at Risk
A leak says Apple may once have planned to give its new phones more memory than they ended up having.
The iPhone 18 Pro models have 12GB of RAM, not the rumored 16GB.
A shortage of memory parts may have contributed to that change.
Apple’s new foldable phone is called the Duo.
Reports say factories were having trouble making enough of it correctly.
Its assembly yield was reported to be just over 60% on September 17.
Suppliers also reportedly faced problems with foldable screens and hinges.
If production does not improve, fewer Duo phones may be available soon after launch.
Leaker Instant Digital says Apple initially planned 16GB of RAM for the iPhone 18 Pro models and foldable Duo.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launched with 12GB of RAM, in line with earlier analyst predictions.
The article suggests a global memory shortage may have led Apple to drop the planned 16GB upgrade.
Reports said final assembly yields for the foldable Duo were slightly above 60% as of September 17.
Equipment and process adjustments, along with issues involving display panels and hinges, could constrain early Duo availability.
- Who
- Apple, with reports citing leaker Instant Digital and supply-chain sources.
- What
- A reported plan for 16GB of RAM was not used, and low production yields may limit early supply of the foldable Duo.
- When
- The reported assembly yield was slightly above 60% as of September 17; the article does not specify the year for that date.
- Where
- The reports concern Apple's smartphone production and its suppliers; no specific production location is stated.
- Why
- A global memory shortage may have affected the RAM plan, while production adjustments and low component yields may be slowing Duo manufacturing.
Reported concerns
Potential counterpoint
Duo supply outlook
Reported concerns
Low assembly and component yields may restrict the foldable Duo's early availability.
Potential counterpoint
The article says the outcome depends on how effectively Apple ramps up production; it provides no confirmed supply forecast.
- Planned RAM
- The leak says Apple had initially planned 16GB for the iPhone 18 Pro models and Duo.
- Reported RAM in Pro models
- The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have 12GB.
- Reported assembly yield
- Slightly above 60% as of September 17.
- Estimated yield improvement
- A source said reaching the intended assembly yield could take another six months to a year.
- Reported manufacturing issues
- Foxconn reportedly adjusted equipment, assembly processes and production settings; display panels and hinge components also faced yield and delivery issues.
- Potential effect
- Low yields could constrain Duo supply, particularly in the weeks after launch.