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Apple calls 128GB “lots of storage” in a humorous ad, but I’m not laughing

2024 March 19
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Apple’s latest iPhone commercial says 128GB is “lots of storage.” Wait, is this an old ad that an overzealous adverttising manager mistakenly published in 2024 or what?

The video, published on Apple’s YouTube channel, amusingly depicts a man about to delete some photos to free up storage space on his iPhone, only to be interrupted at the last moment by photo subjects crying out, “Don’t let go.”

To emphasize the narrative, the 40-second ad is set to “Don’t Let Go” by Terrace Martin, Mr. Talkbox and PJ Morton. The video wraps up with a tagline “lots of storage for lots of photos.” I don’t find it funny at all, and I haven’t lost my sense of humor!

“Lots of storage for lots of photos”

The video itself doesn’t mention a 128GB model. However, in the description, Apple states that “iPhone 15 with storage starting at 128GB.” 128GB is a joke nowadays, but Apple actually has the courage to advertise it? This is an entry-level spec, I get that, but baseline specs must change with the times.

In 2018, iPhone X jumped from a base of 32GB to 64GB. In 2021, the iPhone 13 series killed 64GB in favor of a new base of 128GB. Yet here we are in 2024, and 128GB is the new 64GB—the absolute minimum that should be avoided at all cost.

You’ll intiially pay less, yers. But soon enough you’ll realize your mistake and regret not paying more for extra storage because you cannot upgrade it after the fact.

The price of storage in the Apple ecosystem

Storage has been Apple’s favorite way rto upsells shoppers to higher-priced configurations. Until a few years ago, iPhone storage was an expensive upgrade.

Prices have fallen significantly since those days, but that hasn’t changed the fact that Apple continues to earn quite a bit of money when you opt for more storage. That being said, hoever, it’s hard to believe that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro start at just 128GB. It’s 2024, and Apple still makes 128GB phones!

iPhone 15‌ and iPhone 15 Pro storage upgrades:

  • 256GB (+$100)
  • 512GB (+$300)
  • 1TB (+$500)

The 1TB upgrade is restricted to the iPhone 15 Pros.

64GB iPads, but no 128GB Macs

Offering a 128GB iPhone is a lousy marketing strategy. Clearly there are people who opt for base models, and you can’t blame them for wanting to save money.

But as soon as you fill that up with apps and media, Apple starts throwing prompts nagging you to buy iCloud storage (the free iCloud tier is still just 5GB).

And how do you even justify 128GB as a baseline for the more expensive Pro-branded models that Apple markets as Hollywood cameras in your pocket?

Another Pro-branded device, iPad Pro, also starts at 128GB. Other Apple tablets—iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini—start at only 64GB. Thankfully, Apple no longer offers 128GB Macs as 256GB is an entry-level point.

NAND flash storage prices increasing in 2024

Who knows, we might soon be paying even more for storage because TrendForce predicts an increase in flash storage prices in 2024. Major producers built excess inventory during the pandemic, and TrendForce now anticipates a surge of more than 50% in NAND flash memory prices throughout 2024.

“This price hike is attributed to major manufacturers strategically reducing production levels to rectify excessive inventory and stabilize the market’s sales prices.” If the industry raises NAND flash prices, device makers will either pass on additional costs to consumers through higher prices or skimp on specifications.

Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/03/19/apple-calls-128gb-lots-of-storage-in-a-humorous-ad-but-im-not-laughing/

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