iPhone 7 Rumored to Include 32GB of Base Storage, Potentially Dropping 16GB Tier

[MacRumors]

According to supply chain research conducted by an analyst in China, Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 might finally drop the base 16GB storage model from the lineup when it launches in the fall (via 9to5Mac). The IHS Technology analyst claims that the new introductory storage level for the iPhone 7 will be 32GB for $199, an option that is currently not available on iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus devices.

This change could alter the iPhone line's storage tier offerings from 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB currently available to possibly 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Earlier in the year, it was rumored that the iPhone 7 Plus could gain a high-end 256GB storage capacity option for users, but that it would be limited to the 5.5-inch version of the device and not available on the smaller smartphone.

Although the removal of the 16GB tier seems inconsequential to those who have long since moved onto higher storage capacity iPhone models, it's no doubt been a suitable enough solution for lower-capacity users who take advantage of Apple's iCloud system. Anyone who signs up for iCloud automatically gets 5GB of free storage, but users can upgrade to an impressive 50GB/month for $0.99 to massively offset the limitations of a smaller storage iPhone device.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are rumored to include a handful of upgraded specs and features this year, but for the first time in Apple's tick-tock cycle the new devices are believed to keep their designs largely similar to that of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. A new report out of Nikkei today corroborates previous rumors that Apple is moving to a three year mega cycle release for the iPhone, "largely due to smartphone functions having little room left for major enhancements," not to mention "a slowing market" in the industry hampering iPhone sales this year.

As such, the iPhone 7 is believed to have a design largely similar to the iPhone 6s, with no major visual overhaul expected in this year's device. The biggest differences will come in changes like the possible removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, introduction of a Smart Connector, and a dual-lens camera. Similar to the 256GB storage option, there's also potential for some of these features to be limited to the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus device.

Article Link: iPhone 7 Rumored to Include 32GB of Base Storage, Potentially Dropping 16GB Tier

 

[dannys1]

"Yay", now everyone can rejoice about the model they weren't going to buy anyway.

 

[drumcat]

Simply, the 32g module became the same industrial price as the 16. All about the margins, people.

 

[Sirious]

Please Apple!

 

[captain cadet]

Tim, you feeling alright?

 

[lars666]

If I live long enough to see a 32GB base model, I can finally die a happy man.

 

[MacsRgr8]

Well, duh...
Apple cannot give any less.... iPad Pro is also 32 GB.

 

[Sandstorm]

Oh, the beancounters finally caved. Woo-hoo!

 

[bushido]

bitch please they will drop 16 GB but charge an additional 100$ so in the end you get 32GB instead of 64GB

 

[keysofanxiety]

Couple of years late, but welcome news nonetheless. Hopefully this is true.

 

[crsh1976]

Let's hope they at least stop with the nonsense of skipping the in-between capacity; ie. 16 or 64 GB, 32 would be the ideal compromise.

 

[Pakaku]

Not in this lifetime.

 

[Sasparilla]

Awesome news if its true. No more supporting friends and family who can't understand why the base storage option isn't enough and the bad customer experience it brings.

 

[Creep89]

Dropping 16GB and making every iPhone more expensive (by 100$), because they doubled the memory. I can totally see this happen.

 

[MacDarcy]

Finally! 16GB has no place in this Dojo!

 

[soupcan]

Welcome to 2012, Apple.

But if you raise the price even more... Oh boy.

 

[BrodieApple]

I can't wait to see the MacRumour base storage complainers stop commenting the same thing on every article!!

 

[applepuree]

ATM, I really cant see a reason to upgrade from my iPhone 6+ (not 6s+). I don't see the iPhone 7(anything) to be a reason either unless there is some major wow thats not yet leaked.

 

[Chatter]

Say wha.....

I bet its only available in the special green color

 

[SoApple]

Finally! 16GB has no place in this Dojo!

If they don't drop it , they're screwed.

 

[Pelea]

for all u naive people thinking apple are being generous, you'll be very glad to hear of the new probable prices:

32gb: $649
128gb: $799
256gb: $949

meaning all of you that were used to the 64gb of storage, you'll now be paying an extra $50 for that same storage (though you'll be forced to get the 128gb model even though you don't need that much storage). 32gb was overdue 3 years ago, even 32 won't be enough nowdays for anyone who actually uses their phone.

those who only need 32 enjoy the price drop though

- love Apple.

 

[DTphonehome]

Simply, the 32g module became the same industrial price as the 16. All about the margins, people.

The industrial price has been extremely close for a while. It's about the upsell. When you look at the difference in utility between a 16 GB and a 64 GB phone, you're probably going to cough up that extra hundred dollars. Similarly, I would expect that the price differential between 32 GB and 128 GB will also be $100. People will look at that difference and be tempted to upgrade as well.

 

[keysofanxiety]

for all u naive people thinking apple are being generous, you'll be very glad to hear of the new probable prices:

32gb: $649
128gb: $799
256gb: $949

meaning for all of you that were used to the $64gb of storage, you'll now be paying an extra $50 for that same storage (though you'll be forced to get the 128gb model even though you don't need that much storage). 32gb was overdue 3 years ago, even 32 won't be enough nowdays for anyone who actually uses their phone.

- love Apple.

Let's not be pessimistic and wait to see what happens. Hopefully 32GB minimum storage with a modest price bump for 64GB option, and 128GB/256GB options from there.

I think we'd all be thoroughly disappointed if they keep 16GB base storage. It's been 16GB since the 3GS; it's definitely time to step up!

 

[Pelea]

Let's not be pessimistic and wait to see what happens. Hopefully 32GB minimum storage with a modest price bump for 64GB option, and 128GB/256GB options from there.

I think we'd all be thoroughly disappointed if they keep 16GB base storage. It's been 16GB since the 3GS; it's definitely time to step up!

look what happened to the ipad this year, that's what's going to happen. it'd be weird for them to price the same configurations differently for the iphone and ipad.

 

[doelcm82]

I can't wait to see the MacRumour base storage complainers stop commenting the same thing on every article!!

Not in this lifetime.