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Apple Said to Be Stopping Use of TLC NAND Flash in iPhone 6 and 6 Plus After Reported Issues

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Apple will switch from using TLC (triple-level cell) NAND flash to MLC (multi-level cell) NAND flash in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus after users have experienced crashing and boot loop issues with the higher capacity versions of both devices, reports BusinessKorea.

iphone6_6plus_laying_down.png
Sources have told the paper that flash memory firm Anobit, which Apple acquired in 2011, is to blame for the manufacturing defects. Apple will reportedly switch to MLC NAND flash for the 64GB iPhone 6 and the 128GB iPhone 6 Plus, and will also address crashing and boot loop issues with the release of iOS 8.1.1. Apple has used MLC NAND flash before, in previous-generation iPhones.
TLC NAND flash is a type of solid-state NAND flash memory that stores three bits of data per cell. It can store three times as much data as single-level cell (SLC) that stores one bit of data, and 1.5 times as much as multi-level cell (MLC) solid-state flash memory that stores two bits of data. On top of that, TLC flash is more affordable. However, it is also slower than SLC or MLC in reading and writing data.
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Apple released its first iOS 8.1.1 beta to developers earlier this week, although the company did not specify whether the included bug fixes addressed boot loop and crashing issues on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Users who are experiencing an unusual amount of boot loops and crashes with their iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus are recommended to bring their devices back to an Apple Retail Store for a replacement.

Article Link: Apple Said to Be Stopping Use of TLC NAND Flash in iPhone 6 and 6 Plus After Reported Issues
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/07/apple-stopping-tlc-nand-flash-iphone-6-6-plus/
Yet another reason to wait after the launch of a new product until the bugs are worked out.
 
It seems odd that it's only the 64GB 6 and the 128GB 6 Plus that uses TLC.

But saying that, my friend has a 64GB 6 and has been experiencing lots of crashes, while my 64GB plus has been fine.
 
So how does one determine what type is in their phone in preparation of the inevitable class action law suit and replacement program? :rolleyes:
 
No crashing or boot issues with 128GB 6 Plus here. Not had a single glitch.
 
I've been waiting so long now for my iPhone 6+ 64GB in SG that I don't care if it has MLC or TLC or can't stop chasing waterfalls, there's no scrubs of my order planned, 'cause Baby-Baby-Baby that phone is CrazySexyCool.
 
az431 said:
Read the entire article before making baseless comments.
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But you don't understand. Any time anything goes wrong with an Apple product, it's because Apple didn't test it. They randomly pick products and say, "Skip the testing on this one. Just sell it." So for some reason, they explicitly picked the iPhones with TLC flash to not test.

Yep, that's how one of the richest companies in the world got to where they are today.

(just in case I laid it on too thick... /s)
 
Make Way!

RoelJuun said:
You should test your stuff first before using it in your products and sell said products for obscene prices.
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The parade of know-it-alls has this thread reserved until at least 8am PST. Please be advised and clear a path.
 
Brian Y said:
It seems odd that it's only the 64GB 6 and the 128GB 6 Plus that uses TLC.

But saying that, my friend has a 64GB 6 and has been experiencing lots of crashes, while my 64GB plus has been fine.
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My 64GB 6 Plus and my daughters 64GB 6 have been great. Originally I read it was only 128GB 6 & 6 Plus.

If I experience this issue I'll just go to Genius Bar and get replaced. I'm sure it's only a small percentage, or we would already have "Flashgate" threads screaming Apple is going down, Blau, Blau, Blau........:cool:
 
Did they ever mention if anything triggers the crashes and boot loops ie. device filled to capacity or at least 80-90% full, type of activity being done on device before crash, number of apps open, what's being stored on device, etc. ?

I have the 128GB 6 and, knock on wood, nothing so far. I have it 1/2 filled (not 1/2 empty as I am an optimist ;)).

Hey on a side note you know how Siri can be activated via voice command when being charged? Get a freaking battery case for your 6 and now it works without any cables! I just got a battery case and activating Siri via voice is sweet.
 
Markiie said:
Take it back to the Apple Store and replace it with what? Another phone with the same kind of problems? I think a recall is in order here.......
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Recall? That would only occur after the accountants determine if the cost of the recall would be less than the profit margin achieved by using TLC NAND vs MLC NAND. More than likely, Apple will do in store replacements for those affected and hope the defect rate isn't that high.

Lesson: Just because it's cheap it doesn't mean it won't cost more in the long run.
 
I hope this gets fixed soon (with either a software upgrade or hardware replacement fix).
 
TMay said:
Other sites now refuting the TLC NAND Flash failure claim and stating that it is a software/firmware issue.
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You know it would be a refreshing change if the internet could just slow the you know what down for a little while. Perhaps not be in such a rush to report stuff, especially when there are conflicting rumors/stories.
 
I would be curious to know why the iPhone 6 64GB is potentially affected (and not the 128 GB version) and how one could determine whether there is indeed TLC NAND in his/her iPhone... Any ideas?
 
On Macs the higher capacity SSD's are faster. On iOS they are slower :(

How will exchanging an iPhone now help matters? I assume it will take a while for Apple to change to TLC Flash.
 
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