'iPhone 6s' Logic Board Suggests 16GB Base Model and Updated NFC Hardware

[MacRumors]

New images of the logic board from the next-generation "iPhone 6s" have been obtained by 9to5Mac, a few days after the site shared photos from an unnamed source which showed that a new, updated Qualcomm LTE chip could be in store for the iPhone this year. Today's images suggest that, on top of the Qualcomm chip's faster LTE speeds and increased energy efficiency, the iPhone 6s will include fewer chips that are collectively more efficient, updated NFC hardware for Apple Pay, and likely the same 16GB entry-level capacity seen on current iPhones.

The Toshiba flash memory chip shown in the photos has a 16GB capacity based on the "G7" in the part number, and was built using a 19nm production process. This suggests that the new line of iPhones this year will once again offer a starting storage option of 16GB, likely supplemented with the same 64GB and 128GB options at higher price points seen currently.

While many have complained 16GB is not enough entry-level storage as HD video and space-hungry apps have proliferated, recently Apple SVP of Marketing Phil Schiller claimed the company's cloud-focused services, like the just-launched Apple Music, help alleviate some of the storage stresses on low-end storage configurations. Other changes with iOS 9 such as smaller iOS update sizes and app thinning to load only the app assets needed for a particular device, will also help trim down storage needs.

On the NFC side of the new iPhone, the new chip inside the iPhone 6s is again from NXP but with a new 66VP2 part number compared to the 65V10 part in the iPhone 6. Chip teardown experts at Chipworks were unclear, however, exactly what kind of improvements such a chip will bring to the new line of smartphones, although they posit it could be eliminating the need for a separate secure element processor altogether and folding the two into one chip.

Echoing earlier rumors, today's images suggest once again that the iPhone 6s will remain identical in look and shape to its predecessor, as seen in a case maker's design drawings and logical for the continuation of the "S" generation trend. Any changes in dimensions would be negligible, leaving the device compatible with nearly all existing iPhone 6 cases and accessories.

Article Link: 'iPhone 6s' Logic Board Suggests 16GB Base Model and Updated NFC Hardware

 

[Blackstick]

16GB storage again? Fail.

 

[0000757]

My biggest regret is buying the 16GB iPhone. Please make 32 the entry level!

 

[Razeus]

You still need to get the content on the device before you can upload it to the cloud...

 

[redheeler]

Why can't they just up the base model to 32 GB already?

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[DavidBlack]

It's 2015 Apple -_-

 

[Alex Moran]

Seriously **** this 16gig ********. Apple need to get their **** together this is ridiculous

 

[Chris5488]

16GB base = once again NO new iphone for me... My 4S is still good but i'm planning on getting a new one within the year. I could wait till iPhone 7 but I need at least 32GB, and I'm not planning on spending more than 700 euros.

I'm getting myself an Android (Xiaomi Mi4) if Apple disappoints again till then. Sorry.

 

[Rufuss Sewell]

I can't relate to all the hate for just making a cheaper 16gb version available?!?

If you want more get more. I've always gotten the max storage. 16gb is available to those who are cool with streaming, iCloud etc. and have good wifi at home and work.

 

[Supacon]

I thought that the most plausible explanation for why Apple ships a 16GB base configuration is this: There simply isn't enough supply of NAND in the world to add a 32GB chip to every single iPhone in the world.

If that were true, though, I am not sure they'd still be doing it again this year. I think that it's a business decision spurred by the knowledge that far more people will be willing to spend that $100 extra to jump from 16GB to 64GB. Still, if Apple values the user experience of their products above all else, that seems like a short-sighted move. Let's hope this gets improved upon when the iPhone 7 (or whatever it's called) launches.

 

[Thunderhawks]

While 16GB at this time is a bad joke, maybe people should start buying 64GB. With a 2 year contract that's not a big difference.
I know it costs more in the beginning, but they will not regret.

Or, plan B , let's start bombarding Tim with 32GB requests.

 

[jamald]

They've got balls. I'll give them that.

 

[nouveau-apple]

WHERES THE 32?

 

[EricTheHalfBee]

I'm more interested in the A9 processor, which will once again be the world's most advanced ARM mobile chip.

And stop whining about 16GB already. In our family I've had several 16GB phones and they were always enough. My personal iPhone is 64GB because I actually need the extra storage. Lots of people don't need more than 16GB, so stop thinking Apple has to change the base model because of what **YOU** need, instead of what the average consumer needs.

 

[MH01]

Its 2015 Apple..... Improving the camera to take larger images and videos and keeping the storage the same is not looking after your customers. A lot of people do not realise the impact of getting a 16GB model....

 

[Mercifull]

My biggest regret is buying the 16GB iPhone. Please make 32 the entry level!

Same when I got my iPhone 5. I paid for the 64GB when I got the iP6. Ridiculous, one hopes that the iPhone 7 finally ups it to 32.

 

[brunozs]

They only make the 16gb because people buy it.

If you stop buying it, they'll stop making it, is that simple.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

Well, this is ridiculous.

 

[Rufuss Sewell]

what a joke


2009 - 3G S - VGA video recording (640 by 480) - 16GB base storage

2015 - 6s - 4K video recording (3840 by 2160) - 16GB base storage

I think the relevant criteria here would be the max storage. 16gb is for those who want to pay less and not use 4K video very often.

 

[Rogifan]

Apple should make the entry level 32GB but there's one reason the probably won't: they don't want a bunch of downgrades from 64GB owners. Neil Cybart who runs the Apple centric site Above Avalon claims that keeping the entry level storage at 16Gb is saving Apple $3B.

 

[vistokid]

Pretty lame on Apple's part. Can't say I'm all that surprised though.

 

[Rogifan]

You still need to get the content on the device before you can upload it to the cloud...

You can't upload anything to iCloud via Mac or PC?

 

[blodyholy]

Tis' the season for part leaks!

 

[MacOSXI]

"We decided to go for a 16 GB entry-level iPhone so that you can film 4 minutes in 4K only and enjoy every second of it" Jonathan Ive