Apple rumored to eliminate 32GB tier with 'iPhone 8,' with capacity starting at 64GB

While not much has been said up until now about Apple's possible intentions for user storage on the "iPhone 8," a new report claims that the high-end device will have at least 64 gigabytes of flash storage, with a second configuration boasting 256 gigabytes.

TrendForce research suggests that not only is Apple looking to build 100 million of the rumored high-end "iPhone 8" before the end of the year, but also that it will not allow only 32 gigabytes of storage on the potentially $1000 and up device. Only two configurations will be made available, according to the report, with 64- and 256-gigabyte versions shipping at launch.

Also expected in the fall, the "iPhone 7s" and "iPhone 7s Plus" are expected to retain 32-gigabyte configurations at the low-end, and have 2 and 3 gigabytes of RAM, respectively.

Additionally, the device is said to carry 3 gigabytes of mobile DRAM of an unspecified type. For comparison. the currently shipping iPhone 7 has 2 gigabytes of LPDDR4 RAM, and the iPhone 7 Plus has 3 gigs.

At present, the only new iPhone still available with 16 gigabytes is the $399 iPhone SE, with a 64-gigabyte version selling for $449. The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are still available, but the 16-gigabyte versions have been discontinued in favor of updated low-end versions with 32 gigabytes retailing for $549 and $649 respectively.

Apple is thought to be working on three new iPhones, including two modest "iPhone 7s" upgrades and a flagship "iPhone 8," which is rumored to include a 5.2-inch curved OLED display with embedded sensors, wireless charging of some sort, and possibly some form of facial recognition technology.

46 Comments

wood1208 2932 comments · 10 Years

About 7 years ago

It may be true for iphone 8/X with 64/256GB but iphone 7S might come in 32/128/256GB sizes. iPhone SE at 16GB should be gone and offer as 32/64/128GB with few upgrades in next updates. In my humble opinion, since 32GB is new 16GB base, so 64GB is ideal for most. My last family upgrade was all 64GB iphones 6S(4), SE(1). Good thing about IOS vs Android; IOS and it's Apps take lot less space than android.

rogifan_new 4297 comments · 9 Years

So is 64GB going to be at the 32GB price point? Doubtful. And I won't be surprised if they don't offer 128GB. They won't offer that until they got enough people to cough up for 256GB and are confident enough they won't downgrade. It will be just like 16 > 64 all over again.

Soli 9981 comments · 9 Years

As the largest NAND consumer this is heavily dependent on their ability to source the necessary components.

If they do move to 64GB I think we'll likely see less concern for IOS 11's size, which could impact those with older devices.

avon b7 8008 comments · 20 Years

Soli said:

As the largest NAND consumer this is heavily dependent on their ability to source the necessary components.

If they do move to 64GB I think we'll likely see less concern for IOS 11's size, which could impact those with older devices.

It's not about components. It's about marketing and greed. iPods were so successful in part because Apple invested in assuring capacity. That was then a problem for competitors as they couldn't get their hands on enough components, much less at the prices Apple was getting.

avon b7 said:

Soli said:

As the largest NAND consumer this is heavily dependent on their ability to source the necessary components.

If they do move to 64GB I think we'll likely see less concern for IOS 11's size, which could impact those with older devices.

It's not about components. It's about marketing and greed. iPods were so successful in part because Apple invested in assuring capacity. That was then a problem for competitors as they couldn't get their hands on enough components, much less at the prices Apple was getting.

As usual you don't know what you're talking about and have thought through your irrational Apple hate. Are you really going to say "Apple is simpler being less greedy" when they finally bump their capacity again? Of course not, you'll just find some other reeks to claim they are greedy.