Call it iPhone Storage Creep. As cameras get better, the photos and videos they capture get bigger. Software updates are increasing in size, too.
The latest iOS 18.2 upgrade requires 7 gigabytes for newer phones that support Apple Intelligence-nearly double the earlier iOS 18.1 update. More bulky features are due in future releases.
Most iPhones start with 128 GB, which is fine if you haven't amassed too much digital stuff over the years.
You could upgrade to a new phone with more storage, adding $100 to $500 to the cost. Or you could follow this recipe: Find and delete storage hogs on your phone, then minimize the impact of the files you want to keep.
Once iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 owners opt into Apple Intelligence, those 7 GB are here to stay-even if you disable the AI features.
There are plenty of other areas on your phone to declutter, however.
Here's how.
What's taking up space
To clear space on your iPhone, the first stop is your settings. (Just remember, this is the device's internal storage.) Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. The page includes a graph showing what's taking up space and recommendations of low-hanging fruit to pluck, like large Messages attachments. The Photos app likely takes up a big chunk, so keep reading for tips on managing that storage.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In