Apple's 64GB Era is Over

[MacRumors]

All of the iPhone and iPad models that are currently part of Apple's lineup now start with at least 128GB of storage, marking the end of the 64GB era.

Aside from refurbished devices, the final iPhone and iPad models that Apple offered with 64GB of base storage were the third-generation iPhone SE and the iPad 10. Both of those devices are now discontinued, having been replaced by the iPhone 16e and the new iPad with the A16 chip, which are each available with a minimum of 128GB of storage.

This is not the first end of an era for Apple's tech specs in recent months. Since October, all Macs sold by Apple have been configured with at least 16GB of RAM, again with the exception of refurbished models. Previously, the minimum was 8GB.

The first iPhone models with 64GB of base storage were the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X in 2017, while the first iPad Pro models to be configured with at least 64GB of storage were released in that same year.

Article Link: Apple's 64GB Era is Over

 

[usersince86]

Thanks, Apple!

And cue the "128GB isn't enough" comments...

 

[JPack]

But the 5GB iCloud era remains.

Of course, for a service fee, Apple can help with that.

 

[sw1tcher]

The first iPhone models with 64GB of base storage were the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X in 2017, while the first iPad Pro models to be configured with at least 64GB of storage were released in that same year.

Has it really been that long? Damn, Apple's cheap. Gotta protect those margins, I guess.

Will 128GB serve as the base storage config for iPads and iPhones for the next 7-8 years too?

 

[Tomas1988]

There were times when that was enough... Time flies and life changes …and the smallest capacity of 128 seems very small these days too

 

[xmarcuswildx]

Thanks, Apple!

And cue the "128GB isn't enough" comments...

Unless you have icloud… it’s really not. Not really sure why Apple always lags behind on hardware… and charges more. Starting to reach my wits end with Apple.

 

[Havalo]

And 5GB should be 200GB free space. But that’s wishful thinking…

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Unless you have icloud… it’s really not. Not really sure why Apple always lags behind on hardware… and charges more. Starting to reach my wits end with Apple.

I'm using about 65gb/256 on my 16 Pro. I don't use iCloud.

Not advocating for keeping 128gb, however. I think 256gb should the base.

 

[sw1tcher]

And 5GB should be 200GB free space. But that’s wishful thinking…

Even if Apple doesn't increase it, there are probably a lot of people who would be happy if it was 5GB per device instead of 5GB total no matter how many devices you have.

 

[Daalseth]

Why I remember when we had 8GB and were happy to have it.

 

[nt5672]

If iCloud really worked I don't think I would mind paying the current prices. The problem comes when you try to restore your backups. There is no selective restore. And sometimes the data is just not present.

 

[gpat]

So, now how long are we staying with 128GB minimum on iOS and 16/256 on Macs? My guess is until 2030 at least.

 

[S.B.G]

My Pixel 7 has 128GB and I'm only using 27GB. My use case for mobile storage has always been minimal. YMMV

 

[BelgianChoklit]

But the 5GB iCloud era remains.

Of course, for a service fee, Apple can help with that.

And I think it's here to stay.

Apple's goal with this isn't necessarily just to get money from people who don't have enough with 5GB (which is everyone btw).

What Apple is aiming for imo is that because people will need to buy extra storage, they will most likely add a credit card to their account to pay for it. Adding a credit card to your Apple ID makes your account spend-ready to buy more stuff on the app store or through in app purchases. You could of course buy a gift card, however because it's a recurring payment I think most people will have added their credit card and so that obstacle that would have before prevented you from making some purchase, is now gone.

 

[now i see it]

iPhone 4 cheapest model came with 8 GB storage. People formed lines around the building to get one on launch day.

 

[Astuces iOS]

Please delete this post since we have 64 gb on apple watch guys hehehe

 

[BelgianChoklit]

That's great for the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16. However it's gross that the Pro models still come with 128GB of storage, because of the price but also because it handicaps the iPhone since that storage model removes camera features.

The 17 Pro should start at 256GB and it's also time for a 2TB iPhone.

 

[Populus]

Even if Apple doesn't increase it, there are probably a lot of people who would be happy if it was 5GB per device instead of 5GB total no matter how many devices you have.

Hey! This is a brilliant idea that would incentivize the purchase of several devices!

Does anyone know how to mention Tim Apple to make him read such a great idea? I’d easily have 15GB of free storage right now…

 

[ghostface147]

And yet iCloud is still 5 gigs.

 

[applefan8254]

a good time to support multiple users on iOS, if would please thank you

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I’ve always had the base storage.
I haven’t filled a single phone since they were 16 GB defaults.
Never filled 32GB when that was the default, never filled 64 GB when that was the default, skipped all the phones that were 128 GB and i’m not even using half of my current 256 GB today.

 

[Velli]

Why I remember when we had 8GB and were happy to have it. View attachment 2488422

My first computer had a 40 MB hard drive. I remember upgrading it to 200 MB, installing every game I owned on it, and actively searched for more games just to use all that free space for something.

 

[goonie4life9]

The era of 128 GB is here! It's always great to see Apple on the bleeding edge, skating not to where the puck is but where the puck will be. Stay tuned to see if Apple can keep-up with the break-neck innovation they've had so far in 2025. Onward with the strongest pipeline ever!!!

 

[rikki_t]

I think the extra space is for the AI features and the extra space the OS will take up to run them, doubt you will get quite the free lunch you think your getting

 

[dunkin06]

They were selling 64 GB until now?? WHAT?