Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Set for 16GB RAM Upgrade in 2026, Research Firm Reports, While Apple iPhone Specifications Remain the Same

The growing criticism aimed at Samsung over the limited specifications of its Galaxy S24 series has prompted the technology giant to standardize 12GB of RAM across all models in the upcoming Galaxy S25 lineup. Notably, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature 16GB of RAM, although this model will be exclusively available in Korea, China, and Taiwan. As the demand for on-device AI applications continues to rise, the necessity for higher memory capacity is becoming increasingly evident. A prominent research firm predicts that Samsung will further elevate the RAM to 16GB in the Galaxy S26 series, slated for release in 2026.

Apple’s iPhone RAM Expectations and Performance Capabilities

According to findings from Macquarie Research, it’s anticipated that Apple will maintain its iPhone RAM at 12GB, which could potentially affect performance in multitasking scenarios when compared to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series boasting 16GB. The industry insider, @Jukanlosreve, has shared insights suggesting that Samsung is adjusting its strategy to better compete with Chinese brands, who are heavily investing in high-performance hardware for their devices.

The inclusion of 16GB of RAM across all Galaxy S26 models will empower even the base versions with enhanced on-device AI capabilities and improved app management. This alignment not only signifies better multitasking but also positions Samsung favorably against Apple, especially since projections indicate that Apple will keep its devices at 12GB even in their latest iterations.

Macquarie expects that the RAM capacity of the Galaxy S series will increase to 16GB in 2026.

Meanwhile, the iPhone’s RAM is expected to rise to 12GB in 2025, but remain at 12GB in 2026 as well.pic.twitter.com/bz26rbTYQR

— Jukan Choi (@Jukanlosreve) June 23, 2025

The forthcoming iPhone 17, expected later this year, may still offer its base model with just 8GB of memory, which would give Samsung’s Galaxy S26 family a competitive edge in RAM capacity. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities has also indicated that the iPhone 18 series will feature 12GB of RAM across the board, ensuring even base models receive this update.

This shift toward greater RAM specifications highlights the influence of the generative AI wave, compelling major tech players like Samsung and Apple to prioritize hardware enhancements. The anticipated 16GB upgrade in the Galaxy S26 series could significantly drive sales in upcoming quarters, reflecting the increasing importance of robust performance in today’s tech landscape.

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