How much storage does your iPhone need?
In this guide
Choose by how much you photograph and film. 128GB suits calls, messages, browsing and a photo library kept in iCloud, 256GB is our advice if you are unsure, and 512GB or 1TB suit people who film a lot in 4K, shoot in ProRAW or ProRes, or keep large files on the phone.
What takes up space on an iPhone?
- iOS and Apple's apps. On recent models, Apple says a standard configuration uses about 12GB to 24GB, including iOS 27 and Apple apps that can be deleted.
- Apple Intelligence. On the models that support it, Apple lists up to 8GB of storage, and up to 14GB on iPhone Air and on iPhone 17 Pro models and later.
- Photos and videos. By default they stay on the iPhone at their original high resolution, which Apple notes uses a lot of space. The High Efficiency setting, which saves photos as HEIF and video as HEVC, takes less space than JPEG and H.264 at the same visual quality.
- Apps and everything else. Apps, music and the other content you keep on the phone add up over time.
How much space do 4K video and pro formats need?
Every iPhone we sell records 4K video. As Apple puts it, faster frame rates and higher resolutions result in larger video files, so 4K at 60 fps fills storage faster than HD at 30 fps. If you film family occasions, holidays or content for social media in 4K, start at 256GB and consider 512GB.
Pro models add formats that need much more space:
- ProRAW photos, on iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models. Apple says ProRAW files are 10 to 12 times larger than HEIF or JPEG: about 25MB per photo at 12MP, and about 75MB at 48MP, which is available from iPhone 14 Pro.
- ProRes video, on iPhone 13 Pro and later Pro models. Apple says ProRes files are up to 30 times larger than HEVC. On 128GB models, ProRes recorded on the phone is limited to 1080p at 30 fps, and from iPhone 15 Pro you can also record ProRes straight to an external drive over USB-C.
If you plan to use these formats, 512GB or 1TB is the sensible range. iPhone 17 Pro Max also comes in 2TB.
How does iCloud change what you need?
iCloud starts with 5GB of free storage, and you can upgrade to an iCloud+ plan for more. When you use iCloud Photos, Optimize iPhone Storage is on by default: full-resolution photos and videos stay in iCloud, and space-saving copies sit on the phone when space is needed. That lets a 128GB or 256GB iPhone hold a large library, as long as your iCloud plan has room for it. Anything you download to use offline still needs space on the phone.
Which capacity suits you?
| Capacity | Suits you if |
|---|---|
| 128GB | You mostly call, message, browse and use social apps, take photos now and then, and keep your library in iCloud. |
| 256GB | You take photos every day, record 4K clips regularly and like to keep your library on the phone. Our advice if you are unsure. |
| 512GB | You film a lot in 4K, keep music and videos for offline use, or shoot in ProRAW from time to time. |
| 1TB | You create content, shoot ProRes or ProRAW often, or carry large projects on the phone. |
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12 and SE (3rd generation) also come in 64GB, which suits light use with photos kept in iCloud. Several newer models start at 256GB: iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17, 17e, Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
What should you check before you choose?
- See how much you use today: on your current iPhone, open Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. Pick a capacity that leaves room to spare.
- If you choose a model with Apple Intelligence, count its storage needs: 256GB leaves more room for your own files.
- Storage changes the price, as do the model and the condition grade. Good costs less than Excellent with the same performance, so a lower grade can pay for more storage.
Frequently asked questions
Is 128GB enough for an iPhone?
For light use, yes, especially with iCloud Photos and Optimize iPhone Storage turned on. Keep in mind that, on recent models, Apple says iOS 27 and Apple's apps use about 12GB to 24GB, and that Apple Intelligence needs up to 8GB on most of the models that support it. If you film often, choose 256GB.
How much space does 4K video take?
More than HD video, and more again at higher frame rates, since Apple notes that faster frame rates and higher resolutions result in larger files. ProRes video on Pro models can be up to 30 times larger than standard HEVC video. If 4K is part of your routine, start at 256GB.
Does iCloud replace storage on the phone?
Partly. iCloud Photos can keep full-resolution originals in iCloud and smaller copies on the phone, so a large library needs less space on the device. A large library needs an iCloud+ plan beyond the free 5GB, and anything you keep for offline use still needs room on the phone.
Which storage do you recommend for a used iPhone?
Our advice is 256GB if you are unsure. It leaves room for photos, apps and 4K clips through the years you keep the phone. Choose 512GB or 1TB if video or pro formats are part of your work.
Each model page shows its storage options with their current prices. Compare them on our used iPhone price page, browse all iPhone models, or read which used iPhone to buy for your budget.
