Highlights
- iPhone 18 Pro may include up to 2TB storage with QLC flash technology.
- QLC storage is 33% denser than current TLC storage, offering higher capacity.
- Implementation expected in 2026, aligning with the iPhone 18 series release.
- Pricing for 2TB models likely to be significantly higher than current 1TB versions.
As Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 16 series in about six weeks, rumors are already circulating about future iPhone models.
A fresh report suggests that the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro series could feature up to 2TB of storage, thanks to new technology Apple is expected to implement.
New Storage Technology
• Quad-level-cell (QLC) Universal Flash Storage: This technology will allow Apple to offer higher storage capacities without increasing the physical size of the storage component.
• Comparison to current tech: iPhones currently use triple-level-cell (TLC) flash storage
.• Increased density: QLC is 33% denser than TLC, with four bits per cell instead of three.
Timeline and Industry Trends
• 2026 implementation: Apple is not expected to make the switch from TLC to QLC until 2026, coinciding with the iPhone 18 series.
• Chinese manufacturers: Some Chinese phone makers may start using QLC memory as early as Q4 2023.
• Market share: QLC is projected to make up 20% of NAND Flash bit shipments this year, with increasing share expected in 2025.
Potential Concerns and Benefits
• Read/write speeds: There are concerns that QLC may have slower read/write speeds compared to TLC.
• Cost-effectiveness: QLC Flash Storage is less expensive, which could be a deciding factor for manufacturers.
Pricing Expectations
While 2TB storage on an iPhone may sound appealing, it’s likely to come with a hefty price tag:
• Current 1TB models: The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with 1TB storage are priced at $1,499 and $1,599 respectively.
• Future pricing: The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with 2TB storage are expected to be priced significantly higher.
What this Could Mean for the iPhone 17 Series
While focusing on the iPhone 18, it’s worth noting some details about the upcoming iPhone 17 series:
• iPhone 17 Slim: This new model is rumored to have the highest starting price of any iPhone ever at $1,299.
• Design focus: Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the phone’s design will need to be its main selling point, as the rumored specs are not particularly groundbreaking.
The potential for 2TB storage in future iPhone models represents Apple’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of smartphone capabilities.
While this increased storage capacity may be appealing to power users and content creators, the associated cost and potential performance trade-offs will likely be significant factors in consumer adoption.
However, Apple’s plans may change in the years leading up to the iPhone 18’s release, and the actual features and specifications could differ from current expectations.
FAQs
What is QLC flash storage and how does it differ from TLC?
QLC (quad-level-cell) flash storage stores four bits per cell, making it 33% denser than TLC (triple-level-cell) storage, which stores three bits per cell.
When is Apple expected to implement QLC flash storage in iPhones?
Apple is rumored to start using QLC flash storage with the iPhone 18 series, expected to be released in 2026.
What are the potential benefits of QLC flash storage?
QLC flash storage allows for higher storage capacities without increasing the physical size of the storage component and is more cost-effective than TLC.
What are the concerns associated with QLC flash storage?
One concern with QLC flash storage is that it may have slower read/write speeds compared to TLC storage.
How might the pricing of iPhones change with the introduction of 2TB storage?
The introduction of 2TB storage is expected to result in significantly higher prices, with current 1TB models already priced at $1,499 and $1,599.
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