- Apple is reportedly switching to QLC Storage chips on-board iPhone 18 series.
- These chips, compared to existing TLC storage, are cheaper and can hold capacities up to 2TB.
- These storage chips are also less durable and reliable and thus, Apple will have to counter those before rolling out to steer clear of performance snarls.
It looks like future iPhones will have up to 2TB of storage. All thanks to a new storage tech dubbed quad-level cell or QLC storage. A Taiwanese research firm TrendForce talked about it which gives the story a credible backing as well. The report mentions Apple is in line to upgrade from existing triple-level cell (TLC) to the QLD storage as early as the iPhone 16 series in 2024. Another timeline suggests the new tech will arrive by 2026 with the iPhone 18 Series, if not earlier.
Get ready to witness a revolution as Apple is reportedly cooking up a new tech dubbed QLC Storage. Unlike TLC NAND storage that it uses currently, QLC will be denser meaning more memory storage without changing the physical footprint or size of the chip.
The current-gen TLC NAND storage is expensive, but it complements with better reliability and durability. On the other hand, QLC is cheaper, however, compromises both reliability and durability. TrendForce estimates the Cupertino-based giant could end up integrating QLC storage chips on-board iPhone 18 in 2026 if not early.
Apple Switching to QLC Storage With 2TB Storage Capacity
Rumors are proposing the upcoming iPhone 16 and next year’s iPhone 17 families could pick up QLC at the earliest as well. According to a previous report, Apple is currently in the process of developing a 1TB and 2TB QLC memory for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. However, the precise nature of this project remains uncertain.
In case the claims regarding QLC are true, Apple might have time to resolve the performance issues before the units start production. Several Chinese smartphone makers are expected to opt for QLC storage as well giving Apple time and real-life use cases to calibrate the performance and make it in line with what Apple has been traditionally offering forever.
Statistically, Apple will make 20% of QLC flash NAND storage this year and the numbers will potentially rise next year. The entire iPhone 18 Series may get this new memory chip while the previous generations get it on their respective Pro-versions only.
Just yesterday, we came across a report stating iPhone 18 Series to switch to a Samsung CMOS ultrawide image sensor. This could potentially make Apple rely on Samsung just a tad bit more although the actuals and specifics are yet to be defined.
