Did Apple drop 256 GB storage for the standard iPhone 16?

Question

Did Apple drop 256 GB storage for the standard iPhone 16?

A month ago, I could have bought the standard iPhone 16 with 256 GB of storage from the Apple website. I decided to delay my purchase until the price dropped after the introduction of the iPhone 17. When I checked the Apple Store today, it’s now no longer possible to purchase the iPhone 16 with 256 GB of storage. It’s only available with that storage if you purchase the 16 Plus. Strangely, I could buy the iPhone 16e and it’s possible to get 256 GB of storage. What's with that? Can anyone tell me why I can no longer get 256 GB of storage on the standard iPhone 16? Seems rather odd to drop this option, but make it available on the 16e. Does it have something to do with the introduction of the 17?

iPhone SE, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 10, 2025 9:01 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Community+ 2026

Level 9

68,192 points

Sep 10, 2025 9:24 PM in response to phasersonstun

Yep, phone lineup changed, including the storage option on the iPhone 16, with the introduction of the new models. If you want 256GB, it will be the iPhone 16 plus, iPhone 16e or one of the new models. Why questions cannot be answered, because you are not speaking to Apple here and they don't typically provide reasons for availability options. As usual the Pro options are discontinued as well for the iPhone 16 as they have done with each previous new phone announcement,

https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-17-launch-means-some-older-iphones-have-been-discontinued-heres-whats-affected

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Answer 2

Billam86

Level 1

12 points

Sep 26, 2025 5:22 AM in response to phasersonstun

I’ve read it’s to do with the iPhone 17 coming with 256gb and price for the iPhone 16 with 256gb being similar. So push people onto the new one. Annoyingly for me I’d already bough a case and screen protectors for the phone 16 and will have to buy the 17 now.

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Answer 3

Sep 10, 2025 9:33 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanks, I wondered. It hasn't been easy getting an answer to this question. You'd think someone would have mentioned the change somewhere, but I haven't seen anything.

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Did Apple drop 256 GB storage for the standard iPhone 16?

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