The iPhone 7 is going to feature a huge storage bump, if a new industry leak is to be believed.
A new report claims that the iPhone 7 could feature 256GB storage, which is far higher than existing iPhone handsets, which currently max out at 128GB. This new information comes courtesy of industry news site Digitimes, which cites supply chain sources. Unfortunately, we can’t verify this information, and it should be noted that Digitimes has a mixed track record on mobile leaks.
The report reads: “NAND flash vendors have increased chip prices citing strong demand for new smartphones, particularly the iPhone 7 featuring up to 256GB of storage.”
It goes on the explain that the prices “will keep soaring” until the end of the year, but could fall in the first quarter of 2017 if sales of the new iPhone are disappointing. Apparently, major suppliers like Samsung and SK Hynix have “all raised their quotes”, because Apple’s purchases “remain critical” to the global consumption of NAND flash. According to the report, the iPhone 6 and 6S series consumed about 15% of the overall NAND supply in 2015.
iPhone 7 could leapfrog the 128GB MacBook in terms of storage
Speaking to TrustedReviews earlier this year, TrendForce smartphone analyst Avril Wu said: “We believe 256GB storage being adopted in the next generation of iPhone is really likely to happen. However, even if 256GB is the case, it will only be used in the 5.5-inch model’s ‘premium’ version.”
Similarly, James Moar, Senior Analyst at Juniper Research, told us: “If a 256GB iPhone is to be released, it will be as part of a wider…offering (potentially an iPhone 7 Plus), that can be used in the workplace in the same way as the iPad Pro is intended to be.”
If the iPhone 7 did see a significant storage upgrade, it would put it on par with the highest-storage iPad Pro, and even leapfrog some low-end MacBook models. However, if the 256GB storage option is offered on the next iPhone, it’s sure to cost a hefty premium.
Related: Best Android Smartphone 2016
Watch The Refresh: The best tech gossip and reviews every week
Image credit: Martin Hajek
Would you pay more for a 256GB iPhone 7? Let us know in the comments.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.