Samsung’s decision to equip its forthcoming Galaxy S25 lineup with 12GB RAM across the board marks a significant shift, driven by widespread criticism of earlier models’ limited specifications. The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with 16GB RAM, although this version will only be available in Korea, China, and Taiwan. As on-device AI becomes more prevalent, the demand for higher memory increases. A research firm now predicts that Samsung will set a new standard with a 16GB RAM upgrade for all Galaxy S26 models in 2026.
The buzz around Samsung’s move comes amid expectations that Apple will keep its iPhone RAM at 12GB. Despite this, the iPhone could still outperform the Galaxy S26 in multitasking efficiency, even with a lower RAM capacity.
According to insights from Macquarie Research, Samsung’s anticipated RAM boost for the Galaxy S26 could strategically enhance its competitive position against Chinese manufacturers pushing the hardware envelope. This upgrade is set to offer significant benefits, such as increased support for AI features and improved multitasking capabilities.
Apple, on the other hand, may not introduce a RAM increase beyond 12GB, as suggested by the data. This means while Samsung advances to a 16GB RAM standard, Apple’s iPhone line might remain at 12GB through 2026. Notably, the iPhone 17 series expected later this year might still feature an 8GB base model, providing the Galaxy S26 series a potential advantage in this area.
Tech analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, suggest that all iPhone 18 models will carry 12GB RAM, signaling a notable upgrade for base models. This shift reflects how the growing trend of generative AI is pushing giants like Samsung and Apple to reevaluate hardware specs, with Samsung’s RAM increase poised to drive sales in upcoming quarters.
