Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I think there are 2 main reasons why we don't see a 64GB model:

1. The price of higher capacity chips are still significantly higher in price. Just check out how much a 64GB SSD drive costs

2. The form factor of the phone. I am by no means an expert in this area, but I have read that there is just no space for it in the current IP4 for the larger chips or more chips
 
I to was very disappointed and surprised that they did not offer a 64gb version. Shooting video takes a lot more space than the 3gs does since it is all HD. I am guessing that they may have chose to only offer a 32gb version so next year when they do release a 64gb version, it will be one of the "added features" to the current phone.
 
Because Apple insist on long 1 year product cycles for the iPhone it SHOULD have been released with a 64 GB option at $299. The NAND chips needed are ALREADY in production. Apple didn't offer a 64 GB device because it would cut into the excessive profit margin, and that is unacceptable for the Jobster...

32 GB micro SD cards can be purchased for reasonable prices right now. 32 GB is pretty much standard for top end smart phones right now. In 6 months, 32 GB phones will be outdated... The iPhone used to be AHEAD of the competition when it was released. Every year they fall further into the pack. I will continue to enjoy my 1 year old 32 GB 3GS... Somehow, it has just as much storage space as the new iPhone 4...
 
iPod touch has two storage chips. iPhone only one because of the radio.

The single chip sized 64 GB NAND is already out, it has been out for a while. Last I read, Samsung was getting ready to release NAND suitable to fit 128 GB in the iPhone form factor.
 
The single chip sized 64 GB NAND is already out, it has been out for a while. Last I read, Samsung was getting ready to release NAND suitable to fit 128 GB in the iPhone form factor.

Yes 64GB is available. But it's expensive. Very expensive. And unless Apple wants to cut their profit margin, they have no need to release a 64GB iPhone.

Think about it. If the retail price of a 32GB iphone is $699 ($299 full 2 year contract subsidy). Than Apple would need to sell the 64GB iPhone for around $899 in order to maintain profit margins since the one 64GB Nand is so much more expensive compared to the 32GB one.

Look at RAM prices. The "biggest bang" for the buck is the 2GB RAM stick. If you want to go to the 4GB RAM stick, the prices double.
 
Because Apple insist on long 1 year product cycles for the iPhone it SHOULD have been released with a 64 GB option at $299. The NAND chips needed are ALREADY in production. Apple didn't offer a 64 GB device because it would cut into the excessive profit margin, and that is unacceptable for the Jobster...
"excessive profit margin"??? You have been listening to our bozo president to much. Here is a news flash....Companies are in business to MAKE a profit. If Apple was run by the government they surly could have have a 64gb model and sell it for a loss. So in order for Apple to maintain profit margins and price points adding a 64gb model did not happen for this revision of the phone. Maybe next year.
 
As others have said, the price of the 64 GB chips didn't drop as far or as fast as they did for the 32 GB chips the year before.

It happens. Nothing Apple can do. They're not interested in selling a $499 or $599 subsidized iPhone.
 
"excessive profit margin"??? You have been listening to our bozo president to much. Here is a news flash....Companies are in business to MAKE a profit.

1. In comparison to some of the other president's you've had, Obama is a hell of a lot better. If you can't realize that, you're definitely the bozo.

2. Thanks tips, that's free market capitalism for you. Done without regulation it would be the most destructive thing to ever take place on the planet.

But on the contrary, I'd love an 64gb iP4 too. Heck, I'd love any iP4 about now. Hurry up Apple!
 
Because Apple insist on long 1 year product cycles for the iPhone it SHOULD have been released with a 64 GB option at $299. The NAND chips needed are ALREADY in production. Apple didn't offer a 64 GB device because it would cut into the excessive profit margin, and that is unacceptable for the Jobster...

32 GB micro SD cards can be purchased for reasonable prices right now. 32 GB is pretty much standard for top end smart phones right now. In 6 months, 32 GB phones will be outdated... The iPhone used to be AHEAD of the competition when it was released. Every year they fall further into the pack. I will continue to enjoy my 1 year old 32 GB 3GS... Somehow, it has just as much storage space as the new iPhone 4...
I still have a hard time finding 32GB microSD cards at local retailers. I still see them going for $150. I see 16GB microSD for as little as $30-40. Sale for $60 at Radio Shack.

Apple's competition is not that far ahead, but the memory slot does make them more versatile. The Palm Pre Plus was released this year and is at 16GB. The Nokia N8 records at HD and is only at 16GB.

If you want more memory, get a 160GB iPod classic for $250! That is a bargain consdering how pricey flash memory is at 32GB.

Is 32GB not enough to entertain people on long trips on the go? People want entire libraries? Excess? Just store it online. You get streaming, games, and internet for other entertainment. I can live with 32GB forever just storing in the "clouds."

Online = heaven (the answer to all your prayers)
 
I think that Apple wanted to keep the price the same at $199/$299 subsidized. For whatever reason, Apple didn't think that they could do that with a 64GB iPhone. So if you think it is excessive profits or the space isn't enough, then get a different phone.
 
I think that Apple wanted to keep the price the same at $199/$299 subsidized. For whatever reason, Apple didn't think that they could do that with a 64GB iPhone. So if you think it is excessive profits or the space isn't enough, then get a different phone.

Good point, but I think a lot of people would still pay $399 (just an estimate) for a 64GB.
 
Not having 64GB on the iPhone also provides another differentiation between the iPhone and the iPad. This reduces the cannibalization of one product by another.
 
I say don't be surprised if the latest iPod touch doesn't get 128GB this September. Don't be shocked if Apple sticks to 64GB.

It is going to have nearly the same features of the iPhone 4 while still trying to maintain the same price point.

Going 32GB this year was understandable. There isn't another phone out there that comes with 64GB anyway. Not even with the microSD included. Expect it in 2011 as one of the reasons to buy an iPhone next year. I say next year's iPhone will be a minimal upgrade compared to jumping from 3GS to 4. Double storage just becomes one of the few selling points for it in 2011.
 
1. In comparison to some of the other president's you've had, Obama is a hell of a lot better. If you can't realize that, you're definitely the bozo.

2. Thanks tips, that's free market capitalism for you. Done without regulation it would be the most destructive thing to ever take place on the planet.

But on the contrary, I'd love an 64gb iP4 too. Heck, I'd love any iP4 about now. Hurry up Apple!

God, I love you (and every Canadian I know, for that matter :D )

Not having 64GB on the iPhone also provides another differentiation between the iPhone and the iPad. This reduces the cannibalization of one product by another.

Oh, Apple and their marketing techniques... Considering they're marketing the iPad as a pseudo-laptop replacement, it's a little dumb to not be offering a 128GB version, and the 16GB version is a ridiculous gimmick.

Also, I'd be willing to pay $399 (with subsidization) for a 64GB iPhone (well, not as long as they're on AT&T, but once T-Mobile or Verizon gets the iPhone, hell yeah). I paid that much for a 64GB iPod touch.
 
I think it's a combination of things such cost, revisions, and the market. Are people willing to spend $400 for a phone with contract? I'm guessing experts probably say not yet. What will be the next big thing for the iPhone 5? Probably 64GB. And does the market want a 64GB model? I read articles on this very subject and most people try to put everything on their iPhone, iPod etc. And the big revelation was when it was all said and done was that most users only use a fraction of what they put on it such as music and movies. Most of the content was not used or skipped over. But with all that said and HD content on the iPhone 4, it changes things for some users. If you want the 64GB model, then you will have to wait for the iPhone 5. And I went to several Apple stores because well I like Apple products. Every Apple employee I talked to said that the 16GB is the most popular model.
 
Please, forgive my ignorance if this is a stupid question, but it is an honest one. Why does a 64GB iPhone not exist? I thought the prototype that the guy lost in the bar had like an 80GB drive.

Right now I use a 64GB iPod touch, but I'm looking to get an iPhone as soon as either: A)my Verizon contract ends, or B)Verizon gets the iPhone.

I already have more than 32GB worth of stuff on my iPod touch (about 40GB in all, I think), so the iPhone really wouldn't be that practical to me, and this is quite annoying.

I'm sure that other people have this problem. How do you get around it?

Easy answer...it is all about money!
 
they didn't upgrade because it already had a lot of new features, so they're saving something for next years refresh
 
I even typed the pattern in the Notes app in my 2G iPhone last summer when I was trying to figure out my future phone and the requirements. 64GB was originally what I wanted too....

In early 2009, I noted...

2007 - 4/8
2008 - 8/16
2009 - 16/32
2010 - 32/64?
2011 - 64/128?

Considering there is a 160GB iPod classic after seeing an 80GB one in 2006 (three years prior to the 160GB), I am not expecting a 256GB iPhone anytime soon. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't follow the pattern by doubling it, but 32 is fine. The other new features justified it enough for me to buy the iP4 anyway.

Over the Internet streaming is the future. Storage capacity will hit a wall. You can't expect hundreds of Blu-Ray movies at 5-20GB to ever fit into our phones, ever. And you have to ask yourself, will you use these vids to entertain yourself? Just pick the best of the best content. The ones you frequently listen, watch, or use. My brother owns a 3G and doesn't mind a more basic phone. Music, calls, and texting is enough for him now. He bought many videos and apps on his iPhone that he doesn't watch or use anymore. Just sits in his iTunes. More practical, less pack rat.
 
So you are saying that Apple will break tradition just to release a phone in February with more storage space?

Ummm, no.


Well, it wouldn't be breaking any tradition, considering that Apple has built itself out of spontaneity and secrecy. Furthermore, there are still rumors circling about Verizon getting the iPhone in January or February when Verizon launches their new LTE network.

Let me tell you why this makes so much sense!
1. Apple released the iPhone weeks before they did the previous years for AT&T to "hook" more people into a 2-year contract? Why would AT&T push up their upgrade dates for people who are already close, all they had to do was wait a few months? Did they do this out of the kindness of their hearts? NO! Business is business, AT&T is bracing for a hard hit! And Verizon would be the one to give them that hit! I've already said that I will leave T-Mobile, and switch to Verizon when they get the iPhone, and they will trust me!

2. Why is there yet ANOTHER 32GB iPhone version and not a 64GB? It's because Apple must be saving that 64GB version for a higher bidder... i.e (Verizon paid them to save the 64GB, just as AT&T paid Apple for an early release)

3. People keep saying "oh Verizon will never get it, because they're CDMA, and that is old technology and GSM is the way to go" Blah blah blah! Well I have news Verizon is launching their LTE network next year, and 4 devices will be offered that support LTE.
Your question well does that mean that people on ATT just lose their iPhones? No, AT&T will maintain their contract with Apple, but no one REALLY knows the extent of ATT's exclusivity contract.

With Apple, there is no "tradition" it's all business! Business will NEVER EVER be predictable or traditional. It will always have wild and quick unpredictable twists and turns. Apple is advancing faster than ever, because of their newly updated products, and their "Fort Knox" like security on their secret releases. People can specualte (like me) all they want, but what happens, no one will ever see coming!

Did anyone see the iPhone 4 32GB? No! They saw an iPhone 4 64GB!
Did anyone see an iPhone STAYING on ATT and NOT moving or at least branching to Verizon?
NO! They saw a Verizon getting the iPhone 4 on their out-dated CDMA network, that would make NO sense in making an iPhone CDMA because it would be useless when Verizon shuts down CDMA for good, and runs completely and solely on LTE.

There will always be speculation, but until you know for sure, don't worry. If your phone works fine, and you're "dealing" with its ever-so-slow outdatedness or are tired of it, but you can still "deal" with it for a little while longer then do so! I am waiting until this new Verizon thing comes to fruition, because I am NOT moving to ATT.

T-Mobile has been in plans to purchase Sprint for a few years now, either a merge or a purchase will eventually take place, but not until LTE is launched and is stabilized. Verizon will be the first to launch, and eventually when T-Mobile moves to LTE they will end up merging or purchasing Sprint and making one huge monster to contend with ATT and Verizon. They are already HUGE in Europe... I sense a DT Cell service world domination! haha!

Also, I may be wrong and that is fine, I am not saying that I am right, I just figured since everyone else is speculating that I would too, but with my own personal spin on it.
 
I do not feel you will see anymore space in an iPhone until maybe next year, but 32GB is a ton of space as it is. Why not just get an iPod with 160GB if you are in need of that much space.
 
Just like how Feb 2009 the 16GB iPhone 3G came out. It'll suck to buy the amazing iPhone 4 just to have the 64GB version come out 8 months later.

Here, let me help you.

PHP:
int $p = 0;

for(int $i = 0; $i > 0; $i++){

$p = $i + 1;

print("It'll suck to buy the iPhone $i just to have an iPhone $p come out 12 months later");

}

Can someone run this to see if it works? And can you port it to Objective-C for me? My Xcode is wigging out.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.