The reason why Apple still sells 16GB phones

[Foggydog]

Don't forget that we're talking about a $650 phone...not exactly cheap even if split into 24 payments.

Remember when a flip phone cost 200? We thought that was expensive at the time and looked into our 2 year contract so we only had to pay 19.99.

When the iPhone came out, it was a phone with a computer. These days, your buying a computer that has phone capabilities. Yeah, they are expensive

 

[bniu]

My policy is to always buy the highest capacity available.

128GB for my 6S Plus, and I've basically filled it with 4K videos

128GB for my iPad Pro and boy, do I wish 256GB was available when I got it for Christmas!

I guess perhaps if iPad Pro 2 has the upgraded cameras and true tone display, I'll pick up a 256GB version.

One day, I hope that iPads will be advanced enough where I can finally ditch my MacBook Pro in the past and maybe just keep a Mac mini around for a few desktop specific apps.

 

[Phil A.]

I think your coworker probably has a good routine of transferring photos. But from your description, it seems your coworker is still cognisant of the storage limitations in being selective about what they store locally.

It's 2017 next year, we don't really need to be thinking or quoting feeds, speeds and gigs. My view is that Apple should remove multiple storage options for iPhone and proceed with a single storage capacity for each model (6s/6/SE), set at a minimum of at least 128GB, but available at the typical 16GB price. A "shake up", something unique and forward thinking Apple could do to help their customers enjoy their devices even more without the issue that storage limitations can throw up now and then.

For example:

• iPhone 6s - 128GB
• iPhone 6 - 128GB
• iPhone SE - 64GB

Reason for change:

• Storage cost is incredibly inexpensive today and the real cost difference between 16GB, 64GB, 128GB is insignificant.
• It has become unnecessary to quote GB storage figures. It's just like quoting CPU speeds. Pointless, complex to explain to some customers and a carry over from decades past.
• Users don't care about storage capacity figures, they only wish to take video, photos, download apps etc and avoid the "storage full" errors. Errors give some users a negative perception their device is broken and they need to upgrade. Users are less likely to continue with the same brand of phone if their experience has been negative.
• Devices with low storage capacity (i.e. 16GB) require users to think more about maintaining their device storage (by deleting photos etc) instead of just using their device without complication (i.e. the Apple way).

You'd think that would please everyone and have no downside, but I can almost guarantee that if Apple did this, some people would complain that they're paying for storage they don't need and Apple should release lower capacity phones at a cheaper price!

Even if the price was at the current 16Gb level, some people would say there should be a 64gb for $100 less

 

[smacrumon]

You'd think that would please everyone and have no downside, but I can almost guarantee that if Apple did this, some people would complain that they're paying for storage they don't need and Apple should release lower capacity phones at a cheaper price!

Even if the price was at the current 16Gb level, some people would say there should be a 64gb for $100 less

Clearly Apple prices this all at the rock bottom 16GB price. People are going to complain about everything, probably here first of course.
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You'd think that would please everyone and have no downside, but I can almost guarantee that if Apple did this, some people would complain that they're paying for storage they don't need and Apple should release lower capacity phones at a cheaper price!

Even if the price was at the current 16Gb level, some people would say there should be a 64gb for $100 less

Further, Apple simply no longer quotes GB storage anywhere, not on the website, product, packaging etc. Storage GB becomes a magical Apple guessing game just like RAM and CPU is today. It just works without fault though and that's what really counts here.

 

[umbrokhan]

come on Apple we are not stupid 16Gb model does not cost that much
apple being lazy just recycling
apple is a company that claims to innovate

 

[CTHarrryH]

I know a bunch of people (including the wife) who have no music, no videos and only a couple of apps on their phones so 16GB is fine for them. I used to have 16GB but got tire of managing space so when I last updated went to bigger phone.

I'll bet a lot of people fit in 16GB phone space.

 

[bufffilm]

Remember when a flip phone cost 200? We thought that was expensive at the time and looked into our 2 year contract so we only had to pay 19.99.

I do (remember).

I went from a flip-phone to a 6s. I was waiting for Apple to finally release a phone that had 2gb RAM...once they did, I bought it.

I'm sorry, but there was just no way I was going to buy a 1gb ram phone in 2015!

 

[geoff5093]

I know a bunch of people (including the wife) who have no music, no videos and only a couple of apps on their phones so 16GB is fine for them. I used to have 16GB but got tire of managing space so when I last updated went to bigger phone.

I'll bet a lot of people fit in 16GB phone space.

They'd fit in a 32GB iPhone as well. Many people can "handle" a 16GB iPhone because they've had one for years. Once they have double the storage, they may find themselves keeping more photos, videos, and apps on their phone.

 

[cola79]

I personally don't need more space than in the smallest version.

Ignoring the real manufacturing costs for me it would be a waste of money if I pay for more storage.

For pictures I would use cloud services if I need a backup, but mostly I just erase old pictures.

Music comes from streaming services, so do movies and such.

Basically the internal storage is just needed for the os and apps. I just keep apps installed which I use daily or weekly, anything else won't stay.

So based on that behavior it's the smartest way to go for the cheapest model. For me internal storage is outdated like the floppy disk or the CD-ROM. Times have changed.

 

[Mildredop]

Actually, it would cost Apple a lot to increase the base storage to 32GB, because I'm sure there are plenty of people like me who need more than 16GB but don't need more than 32GB.

If the base model iPhone SE was 32GB, even if the next model up was 128GB for $100 more, I would have saved the money and gotten the 32GB. But because I needed more than 16GB, I spent an extra $100 on the 64GB model.

$100 for 48GB is insanely expensive in 2016. That's over $2 per GB. A high quality SD card is as little as 23 cents per GB.

 

[Qbnkelt]

I know people who buy the 16 GB for their children. I also know seniors who get 16 GB. My agency also hands out 16 GB iPhones.
There is a market for them. Not everybody has the same use case.

 

[electronicsguy]

It's simple, really. It's because people still buy them!

It's a specious argument, IMO. It would be solid if say apple sold 16, 32, 64 and 128 and yet hordes of people still bought 16. When a manufacturer doesn't offer any other option, people have to buy what is available.

 

[Sleaka J]

come on Apple we are not stupid 16Gb model does not cost that much
apple being lazy just recycling
apple is a company that claims to innovate

You heard it here first folks. Innovation is increasing the amount of storage!

 

[bufffilm]

Those that are really miffed that the base is only 16gb...the only way Apple will feel pressure to change it, is when it affects their bottom line.

Show your displeasure and buy an Android or Windows phone.

I suspect though that it would be too extreme a step for many. And so, Apple will increase the base storage when THEY see fit and not before.