How to Get More Storage on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s

With every new iteration of smartphones, users anticipate groundbreaking features, but they also encounter challenges. Among these, the iPhone 6 and 6s series were no exception. Despite their advanced functionalities, they reintroduced users to the age-old challenge of storage management. As apps burgeoned in size, high-resolution media became the norm, and system updates rolled out, managing space became a top concern. This article offers an in-depth exploration of the memory (storage) dynamics of the iPhone 6 and 6s series, highlighting the configurations and consumption patterns.

Understanding iPhone 6 and 6s Storage Dynamics

The introduction of the iPhone 6 and 6s series brought significant advances in Apple’s smartphone offerings. However, these advancements also brought the challenge of managing storage, especially as apps grew in size, high-resolution media became standard, and system updates were frequently released. In this discourse, we’ll explore the base storage configurations for these models and how they can be rapidly consumed.

The iPhone 6 was initially launched with three storage options: 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB. Later on, a 32GB variant was introduced. The iPhone 6s, conversely, was available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB versions. For those who opted for the lower storage variants, especially the 16GB model, maximizing available space soon became a crucial skill. Here’s why:

With these factors in play, it’s unsurprising that users frequently ponder, “how do I get more storage on my iPhone 6s?” or “how can I get more storage on my iPhone 6?”

Some resort to cloud solutions like iCloud to offload photos, documents, and even app data. This approach can effectively get more space on iPhone 6s Plus and related models. Transferring photos and videos to PC and pruning seldom-used apps are also viable strategies.

How to Get More Storage on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s

While the base storage of these models might seem enough initially, over time, apps, photos, videos, and other files can fill up space rapidly. If you’re pondering “how do I get more storage on my iPhone 6s” or “how can I get more storage on my iPhone 6?”, follow these actionable steps to free up or even expand your iPhone’s storage.

Step 1: Clean Up Unused Apps and Files

Over time, we tend to accumulate apps that we no longer use. Some of these apps, especially games, can take up a significant amount of space. Additionally, old downloads, podcasts, and seldom-watched videos can consume storage unnecessarily. To tackle this:

• Regularly review and delete apps you no longer need.
• Purge old media files, especially large video files.

Step 2: Manage Photos and Videos

High-resolution photos and videos are among the prime consumers of iPhone storage. Consider the following options:

• Use cloud services such as iCloud Photo Library to backup your photos and videos.
• Regularly transfer photos and videos to a PC or Mac to free up space.

Step 3: Clear Browser Cache and Data

Browsers store data like images and scripts from websites to speed up future visits. Over time, this cached data accumulates and can consume a good amount of space. Periodically clearing this cache can help reclaim space. Navigate to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to accomplish this.

Step 4: Use iCloud for Storage

iCloud offers a seamless way to store documents, photos, and backups, with monthly plans available. By default, you get 5GB of free iCloud storage. However, if this isn’t sufficient, you can always opt to buy more storage on iPhone 6s or any other compatible model.

Step 5: Optimize iPhone Storage Settings

Your iPhone has a built-in feature that allows it to manage and free up space when needed. To utilize this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here, you can enable “Offload Unused Apps”, allowing your iPhone to remove apps you don’t use often but retain their data.

Step 6: Consider Third-Party Storage Solutions

There are several third-party solutions, available at various price points, that can help you manage your iPhone’s storage better:

• Use apps like Google Photos for backup, which offers high-quality photo backups for free.
• Explore other cloud storage services like Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive to offload less frequently accessed files.

Although physical storage expansion is not an option for the iPhone 6 or 6s, these steps can significantly enhance your device’s storage management, ensuring you get more out of the space you have.

Expanding Physical Storage: Myth vs. Reality

As smartphones become central to our daily lives, our need for storage inevitably grows, and our habits regarding storage have changed. Many iPhone 6 and 6s users have pondered ways to “add more storage to iPhone 6” or “get more storage on iPhone 6s”. Let’s demystify the topic of iPhone storage expansion.

The Myth of Internal Physical Storage Expansion

First and foremost, it’s important to clarify a common misconception: iPhones, including the iPhone 6 and 6s, cannot have their internal storage physically expanded. Here’s why:

• ? Design Philosophy: Apple’s design emphasizes simplicity and a uniform ecosystem. A microSD slot, commonly found in other smartphones, would disrupt the iPhone’s iconic design and its unified architecture.
• ? Performance Consistency: Standardizing internal storage specifications means Apple can ensure consistent, high-quality performance across its devices. Introducing variable external storage could risk this consistency.
• ? Monetization Strategy: Apple offers iPhones in various storage capacities. Users in need of more space are encouraged to select a model with greater storage or utilize iCloud.

This makes the idea of increasing an iPhone’s internal storage just that—an idea, and not a feasible reality. Any third-party claims of doing so should be approached with skepticism and caution.

External Solutions: The Practical Workaround

While the iPhone’s built-in storage can’t be expanded, there are external storage solutions that serve as practical workarounds. Devices like the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive can connect to the iPhone’s Lightning port. They allow users to save or backup photos, videos, and other files outside of the phone’s primary storage.

With such devices, you can offload files from your iPhone to the external drive, freeing up valuable space on your device. It’s an ideal solution for those who often find themselves running out of storage or in situations where cloud access is unavailable or inconvenient.

In summary, while you can’t increase the iPhone’s inherent storage capacity, external solutions offer a flexible alternative to manage and optimize the space you have.

Conclusion

Modern smartphones, exemplified by the iPhone 6 and 6s, come packed with features that promise unparalleled experiences. However, these experiences can be hampered by limited storage capacities. As the digital age progresses, the need for ample storage continues to grow exponentially. It’s crucial for users to not only be aware of the storage capabilities of their devices but also understand how various elements consume this space. The iPhone 6 and 6s series serves as a reminder of this balance. By grasping the intricacies of storage dynamics, users can optimize their device use and avoid pitfalls related to space constraints. 

FAQ