iPhone Q&A

Update Published September 25, 2024

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The default internal storage in all of these models cannot be upgraded beyond the amount that was installed at the time of purchase.

External iPhone Storage Solutions

For those who would like to add storage to their iPhone, but not resort to cloud storage, it is straightforward to add an external storage drive to iPhone models via the Lightning Port or USB-C Port. All iPhone models between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 14 have a Lightning Port and all iPhone 15 and later models, including current ones, have a USB-C Port. This external storage can be used to easily transfer and hold photos and videos.

Best Lightning & USB-C External iPhone Storage

Two of the best external storage options for iPhone models are the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Go and SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe, available from site sponsor Adorama and elsewhere.

Photo Credit: SanDisk (Go - Left; Luxe - Right)

These two devices are similar; effectively "USB sticks" with the option of 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB of storage and ports on both ends. Each device has a Lightning port on one end -- so they can be connected to an iPhone with a Lightning Port -- and a USB-A port or USB-C port on the other end -- for the Go and Luxe, respectively -- so that they can be connected to an older computer equipped with USB-A ports or a newer computer (or newer iPhone) with USB-C ports.

The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe, in particular, because it has both Lightning and USB-C ports, is an especially convenient option because it can be used with both old and new iPhone models alike.

Best USB-C External iPhone Storage

For iPhone 15 and later iPhone models, effectively any USB-C stick would work, so you might also like to consider options like the inexpensive SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C Flash Drive, with only a USB-C port and capacities up to 256 GB of storage, or the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe, with USB-A and USB-C ports and capacities up to 1 TB.

Photo Credit: SanDisk (Ultra Type-C - Left; Dual Drive Luxe - Right)

If you need even more storage capacity, the rugged OWC Envoy Pro mini from site sponsor OWC could be perfect for you.

Photo Credit: Other World Computing (Envoy Pro mini)

This durable storage option is designed to be carried or worn on a lanyard, has both USB-A and USB-C ports and capacities up to 2 TB. For video production work, you really never can have too much storage.

iPhone Storage Summary

Of course, Apple would love for you to buy a new iPhone when you run out of storage space, and if your iPhone is a few years old already, maybe that is the best choice for you.

However, by using one of these external storage solutions, you also have the option of squeezing a bit more life out of your iPhone until you decide to upgrade for reasons of performance or features rather than just storage space alone.

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