Submitted by Marshall Walker on
Rumors that Apple plans to launch a 256GB iPhone 7 model have been gaining steam ever since the Chinese website MyDrivers made the claim back in January. The research firm TrendForce later added that Apple plans to drop the 16GB and 64GB models in favor of 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB models, but they did not specify if only the iPhone 7 Plus model will be offered in the higher capacities.
Today the DigitTimes threw more fuel on the fire by noting that there is a "strong demand for new smartphones particularly the iPhone 7 featuring up to 256GB of storage."
Many Apple fans have been calling for the iPhone-maker to discontinue the 16GB model ever since Apple increased the size of their handset with the release of the iPhone 5. Apple eventually added 64GB and 128GB options, but has continued to offer a 16GB entry-level model in its iPhone 6s lineup.
The Wall Street Journal also noted in July that the iPhone 7 lineup will start with 32GB of storage, instead of 16GB.
Apple has increased the need for more storage due to its advanced features such as 4k video, Live Photos, Panorama photos and so on. All these new features require more storage than the basic 3-8MP photos people used to snap on older devices, such as the iPhone 3GS. Apple also offers users the ability to store their photos and videos on iCloud, but this does not solve all storage needs.The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are expected to be announced on September 7, but the date has not been officially confirmed.