Yes, Apple will still be selling a 16GB version of the 'iPhone 6s'
Really, Apple? A new report from 9to5Mac confirms that the upcoming “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” will start with a 16GB base model. Apple will also offer a 64 and 128GB version of both phones.
The on-contract pricing structure will also stay the same as in 2014. That means the “iPhone 6s” models will cost $199, $299, or $399. The larger “iPhone 6s Plus” versions will retail for $299, $399, or $499.
Late last week an image of the handset’s new box leaked showing the presence of a 16GB model. And today’s report only serves to further confirm that bad news.
Apple is expected to introduce both handsets, along with a revamped Apple TV and possibly the fourth-generation iPad mini, at a special media event one week from today – Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The problem
Even though Apple is making iOS 9 more efficient by shrinking the storage space needed to install the OS and other improvements, a 16GB “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” could definitely be problematic for users in a number of ways.
The handset is reported to offer a new 12-megapixel rear camera and will apparently support 4K video recording. The front-facing camera is also expected to receive a significant upgrade.
But unless Apple magically is able to create a new compression algorithm, 4K videos take up a huge amount of storage space.
Earlier this week on Twitter, our own WatchAware contributor Abdel Ibrahim pointed out that a 1 minute 4K video takes up roughly 2.29GB of space. Imagine a poor “iPhone 6s” buyer filling up their shiny new handset after mere minutes of video recording. But that seems to be a real possibility.
And that’s not even taking into account apps, which are allowed to take up as much as 4GB.
The next-generation handsets are also expected to be made with the stronger 7000-series aluminum found in the Apple Watch Sport.
Watch for more bands
The same 9to5Mac report says that Apple will also introduce a variety of new Sport Band colors. The new options could be very similar to what Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive showed off in Milan in April.
We’ve also previously seen a red version of the Sport Band in the wild.
