TrendForce: Both iPhone 16 Pro Models to Feature 256GB Base Storage

Apple is expected to offer both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with a minimum of 256GB storage, doing away with the 128GB starting option on its smaller Pro model for the first time, according to a new TrendForce report.

iPhone 16 Pro Right Side Feature
Currently, Apple's 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 and comes with the minimum 128GB of storage, while the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199 with a minimum 256GB of storage. Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 15 models, there were rumors that the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max could start at $1,199, instead of the $1,099 starting price it charged for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

That did turn out to be accurate, but only because Apple eliminated the lower priced 128GB storage tier. The iPhone 15 Pro Max now starts at 256GB, and $1,199 is the same price Apple charged for the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max. Looking ahead to the upcoming iPhone 16 series, TrendForce believes Apple will follow the same strategy for the iPhone 16 Pro model.

TrendForce bases its prediction on the assumption that the iPhone 16 Pro will include a costly tetraprism periscope lens – a feature that was last year exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max model. In other words, upping the minimum capacity to 256GB will allow Apple to pass over the cost to the consumer while diluting the impression of rising prices.

TrendForce notes that even if the price remains at the same level, consumers' usage habits, such as shooting and storing a large number of high-definition photos and videos, and downloading music and large-scale games, will continue to push up the demand for the average storage capacity.

In 2018, Apple's iPhone X came with 64GB, an entry-level storage tier that persisted in successive premium device generations until the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020, when Apple adopted 128GB as the new baseline. The next year saw all iPhone 13 models offered with a minimum 128GB. If Apple makes 256GB the new minimum across its premium devices this year, we could well see it reach all models in 2025.

This year's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to be getting bigger display sizes, increasing to 6.27- and 6.86-inches, respectively. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively. The new display sizes will be the largest ever for the iPhone, and should also increase the physical space for internal components and parts.

Apple will unveil the new iPhone 16 lineup next week on Monday, September 9 at an event with the tagline "It's Glowtime," which is believed to be a reference the new Siri interface that comes with Apple Intelligence.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

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Top Rated Comments

breenmask Avatar
27 weeks ago
pretty sure someone is going to say: "oh come on, pro models should be 512GB MINIMUM!!!!!"

?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LenardG Avatar
27 weeks ago

This is a good move. I wonder whether the need to store data related to Apple Intelligence locally necessitated this change.
It would be a "good move" if they adjusted the price as well. What they are doing is basically just removing the lowest $999 price point, and the 256GB version will cost the same as last year, $1099.

A good move would have been selling the 256 version at $999 ...

So this is maybe a move to save headaches from people who would have otherwise chosen the 128GB model. Now they will need more money to go Pro, but at least they get a sensible amount of storage. This just makes more money for Apple ??‍♂️
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2540497 Avatar
27 weeks ago

Well, 256GB is minimum.
You need alone 64GB for the apps. Plus 64GB for the minimal storage of these apps. And then storage for files, photos etc
If you like to make photos or videos in high res it should be 512GB on your phone.
Not true at all - I am a very heavy user of photos (Google Maps Lvl 10 contributor, 1bn+ views) and have never exceeded 128GB on my phone.

You have to be a power user - aka a lot of games, a lot of videos, to need 512GB. 95% of people won't need anywhere near it.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Seanm87 Avatar
27 weeks ago

Well, 256GB is minimum.
You need alone 64GB for the apps. Plus 64GB for the minimal storage of these apps. And then storage for files, photos etc

If you like to make photos or videos in high res it should be 512GB on your phone.
Completely untrue. I just checked my phone and its 69.31 gb with everything stored on device.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Radeon85 Avatar
27 weeks ago

pretty sure someone is going to say: "oh come on, pro models should be 512GB MINIMUM!!!!!"

?
Considering what Apple charges the pro models bloody well should start at 512GB, storage is not that expensive these days but Apple hasn't got that memo yet. If they do add a 2TB this year then it should be 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marty80 Avatar
27 weeks ago
Sounds like 2tb may be on the cards.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)