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Purported 'iPhone 6s' box suggests Apple will keep entry-level capacity at 16GB

Photo via Steve Hemmerstoffer.

Last updated

A sticker claimed to be for the packaging for Apple's anticipated "iPhone 6s" shows a 16-gigabyte capacity, suggesting that Apple will stick with that memory level for its entry-level model.

Apple faced criticism last year for doubling the capacities on its mid- and high-range iPhone 6 series models, to 64 and 128 gigabytes, respectively, without upping the entry-level model to 32 gigabytes.

Critics complained —  and even filed lawsuits —  because they said the iOS 8 update took up such a large percentage of the capacity on their 16-gigabyte iPhone.

Friday's leak, first shared by Steve Hemmerstoffer, suggests that despite those complaints, Apple will in fact keep the entry-level storage of 16-gigabyte for the so-called "iPhone 6s." There was no sign of any "iPhone 6s Plus" capacity, but it would not be a surprise to see a 16-gigabyte base model for Apple's jumbo-sized phone as well.

Apple has made strides to address user complaints in iOS 9, most notably shrinking the space required to install software updates. For example, while the iOS 8 upgrade required 4.6 gigabytes of free space, iOS 9 will require just 1.3 gigabytes.

Apple will also include a new automatic installation option that will let iPhones and iPads update themselves at a convenient time for the user. Users will be able to select an "Install Later" option, and will be notified with a message after their phone has been updated.

All will be revealed at Apple's Sept. 9 event, where the company is expected to introduce not only its next-generation iPhones, but also a revamped Apple TV. The new "iPhone 6s" series is expected to be largely identical to the current iPhone 6 lineup, including design, appearance, pricing, and capacity levels.

Most upgrades for the handset are believed to come internally, with new pressure sensitive Force Touch input, a faster "A9" processor, higher-quality cameras, and a forward facing flash for selfies.



118 Comments

alvinguzman 16 Years · 38 comments

Hardly surprising....got to keep those margins 

buddyrevell 17 Years · 172 comments

Yeah, not surprised. A 32GB base model would be a sweet spot for too many people. Apple wants to push everyone to buy the next higher capacity.

wizard69 21 Years · 13358 comments

[quote name="BuddyRevell" url="/t/187911/purported-iphone-6s-box-suggests-apple-will-keep-entry-level-capacity-at-16gb#post_2767083"]Yeah, not surprised. A 32GB base model would be a sweet spot for too many people. Apple wants to push everyone to buy the next higher capacity. [/quote] Maybe in the past but 32 GB is a problem for many non commercial users. 32gB simply will be frustrating if the rumors about the new camera capabilities are true. That being said I don't think a lot of people get it, the 16 GB model is for business. Businesses simply don't want their people carrying around phones with lots of business related data on them. The 16 GB machine really isn't a consumer device. Now the big question is this: will the other two models get bumped? It would be nice to see capacities of 128 GB and 256 GB in the two upscale models.

rogifan 13 Years · 10667 comments

Well that sucks, especially with the rumors of improved camera and 4K recording. If Apple keeps 16GB and has no iCloud changes Phil might as well get up on stage and give everyone the middle finger because that's what Apple is saying.

rogifan 13 Years · 10667 comments

[quote name="BuddyRevell" url="/t/187911/purported-iphone-6s-box-suggests-apple-will-keep-entry-level-capacity-at-16gb#post_2767083"]Yeah, not surprised. A 32GB base model would be a sweet spot for too many people. Apple wants to push everyone to buy the next higher capacity. [/quote] So basically Apple's #1 priority is margins and ASPs not the best consumer experience. Great. :rolleyes: