Decline in iPhone Buyers Opting for Storage Upgrades in 2024
A recent analysis by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) indicates that the proportion of iPhone purchasers in the United States who are choosing to upgrade from the basic storage options has diminished significantly in 2024. The study examines the trends among iPhone buyers during the December quarters of both 2023 and 2024, revealing a noticeable decrease across various models.
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Growing Trend Towards Cloud Storage Solutions
The data suggests an increasing reliance on cloud storage solutions among consumers, which has become a significant source of revenue for Apple. Currently, Apple’s lineup consists of three base storage options: 64GB available on the iPhone SE (2022), 128GB for both the iPhone 16 and its Plus and Pro variants, and a substantial 256GB option for those opting for the Pro Max model.
Pricing Structure for Storage Upgrades
The cost to enhance from the base model is as follows: upgrading from a standard capacity of 64GB on the iPhone SE (2022) to one with an increased capacity of 128GB costs $50. For those moving from a mid-level capacity of 128GB to a higher tier at 256GB on models like the iPhone series including generations up to Pro Max, it is priced at $100. The price ascends dramatically with larger capacities; jumping from a sizable 256GB to an expansive 512GB configuration commands an additional fee of $200, while selecting top-of-the-line models with a full terabyte adds another $300 over that baseline trim.
A Surprising Rise Among Legacy Devices
Interestingly, there was one notable growth area concerning legacy devices such as the previous generations including iPhones SE (2022), 14, and 15; around 48% opted for additional memory this year versus only 38% carrying out such upgrades last year—indicating changing consumer preferences within older device categories amidst newer offerings.
