Recently updated my iPhone to iOS 17 but noticed significant memory usage. Can someone tell me exactly how much storage iOS 17 typically takes up? Need to manage my storage better and understand what’s consuming the space.
Hey, you’re not alone in noticing the iOS 17 update gobbling up a chunk of storage. The exact storage requirement for iOS 17 can vary a bit based on your device model, but typically, the update can take up somewhere between 6 to 8 GB of space. Yea, I know, that’s quite a bit. Apple doesn’t always spell out the storage needs in fine detail because there’s always a bit of variance with different models and existing data on your device.
Here’s where it gets tricky: the 6-8 GB is not just for iOS itself; it also includes the operating system files, pre-installed apps, and some additional system storage that iOS often reserves for smooth functioning, caching, and updates.
One thing you might wanna do is check the storage breakdown in your settings to see what’s hogging the most space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You’ll get a cool little bar chart that shows you what’s taking up space – apps, media, system files, etc.
If you’re in trouble with storage, here are a few tips you might find useful:
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Offload unused apps: This nifty feature allows you to free up space without losing your app data. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and you’ll see the option to “Offload Unused Apps.”
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Optimize photos: If you have Photos hogging up space, turn on “Optimize iPhone Storage” in Settings > Photos. This stores full-res photos in iCloud and keeps smaller versions on your phone.
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Delete old conversations: If you’re like me and never delete texts, it’s time to change that. Go to Settings > Messages and set on the “Keep Messages” option to 1 Year or 30 Days.
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Clear Safari cache: Browser caches can take up space too. Go to Settings > Safari and hit “Clear History and Website Data.”
In case you’re using a lot of third-party apps, they might have their own cache too that you can clear from within the app’s settings menus.
From my experience, managing storage on iPhones can be a bit of a balancing act. If this gets too inconvenient, you might consider more iCloud storage or just regularly backing up and cleaning your phone. Sometimes, you just gotta Marie Kondo your digital life and get rid of the apps and files that don’t bring you joy!
Totally feel your pain about running outta storage after updating to iOS 17. While Codecrafters’ tips are solid, I’d like to add a bit more nuanced advice here.
Firstly, let’s address the storage footprint. Codecrafters mentioned 6 to 8 GB, and I’d say that’s spot on. However, it’s crucial to note that when you factor in cached data and additional system files that iOS uses to run optimally, the actual usable space might seem even less. If your phone supports ProMotion or has advanced camera features, system data might over time encroach on available storage too.
Now, onto managing that precious space. Apart from what’s already been suggested, here’s a few more granular tactics:
Tweaking Storage Management on iOS 17
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Check System Data Usage:
In Settings > General > iPhone Storage, you can sometimes see that “System Data” occupies a big chunk. It’s aggregated data consisting of caches, settings, Siri voices, etc. Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to clear it, but restarting your device occasionally can help iOS perform some internal housekeeping. -
Control Your Media:
- Avoid HD Downloads: If you’re binge-watching content, make sure you aren’t downloading in HD unless necessary. Adjust the settings in streaming apps to optimize for storage over quality.
- Don’t Keep Both Photos: If you’re using the HDR feature in the Camera app, ensure you’re not set to keep both the HDR and standard versions of photos. Go to Settings > Camera > Keep Normal Photo and turn it off.
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Streamline Notes and Mails:
- Notes: Regularly check and purge old Notes. They can eat up storage as multimedia content gets embedded.
- Mails: Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data. Set it to Manually fetch the latest data. While you’re there, you might also want to clear out old emails or start fresh with a clean inbox every once in a while.
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Cleaner Content Consumption:
- Podcasts: Automatically deleting played podcasts can free up considerable space. Adjust this in Settings > Podcasts.
- Books and Audiobooks: Ensure they’ve been deleted after consumption. Both can take a surprising amount of space over time.
On the Cloud Backup
Codecrafter mentions optimizing photos via iCloud. I’d say if you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, expand iCloud storage. It’s more streamlined compared to third-party solutions, especially with new features in iCloud+. Apple’s option for private relay and hide my email adds a security layer that’s neat for privacy-concerned users.
App Management Hacks
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Consider Lite Versions: Some popular apps have ‘Lite’ versions that consume less space and data but offer almost similar functionality.
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Blur Feature Extras: Some apps like social media tend to have a chunky data footprint because of constant media influx. Check the in-app settings for features like auto-downloading media which can be a gnarly culprit for consumption. Disable if unnecessary.
Leverage ‘Offload App’ Wisely
I somewhat disagree on blindly offloading unused apps. While it’s great, also remember when you re-install, the same data has to be re-downloaded. Monitor apps you frequently use but could do without temporarily instead. Those could be better candidates for offloading.
Regular Maintenance:
- Weekly Routine: Make it a habit, maybe weekly, to clear cache (via individual app settings), and delete app data selectively. Think of it as a digital detox—a mini cleanup at regular intervals can make a difference.
One-Off Tips:
- Check Health Data: If you’re using an Apple watch, the Health App can gobble up more space over time, especially storing lots of fitness and wellness data. Occasionally trimming or exporting this data might help.
- Utilize Files App: Move larger documents and unused files to the Files app. From there, selectively upload them to iCloud or other cloud service like Dropbox for easy retrieval.
Upgrade Consideration:
Finally, if you’re running a phone that’s on its last legs storage-wise, upgrading might indeed be necessary. Devices with higher storage capabilities and more efficient file management systems might be a sound investment.
There’s never one-size-fits-all. Keep experimenting and balancing until you find what works best for you. Balancing act for an optimal & clutter-free iPhone usage, for sure!
Really? Trying to manage storage on iOS 17? It’s like trying to plug holes in a sinking ship. Yeah, the 6-8 GB range Codecrafters mentioned kinda makes sense, but it feels like Apple keeps adding more weight to the OS just to push those iCloud storage plans. Storage management on iOS can be a nightmare for real. Offloading apps helps, but reloading them eats up data. As for recommending “Optimize iPhone Storage,” it literally turns your photos into pixelated relics. Nice job, Apple. 
Also, let’s talk about that “System Data” that gets chunky over time. A simple restart? Please, more like a temporary fix. It’s like playing whack-a-mole with your storage.
Here’s some no-nonsense approach:
Manual File Cleanup
Forget relying on automated features. Manually back up important stuff to your PC or a trusted cloud service other than iCloud. Google Drive, anyone?
Ditching Heavy Apps
Sometimes, the best move is to flat out delete and find lightweight alternatives. Look for “Lite” versions like Messenger Lite. Why clutter your device with unnecessary app data?
Streaming Over Downloading
iOS 17 might prompt you to download content for offline viewing. Think twice. Streaming is a far better option to save on storage, though it does mean more data usage.
Cleaning Attachments Manually
Purge those large attachments in Messages, and no, setting it to delete after 30 days is not always practical. Go through and delete media-heavy conversations from time to time.
Face the Reality
Consider buying a higher storage device if this is too painful. Really, even with all these tips, sooner or later, you’re still gonna hit that storage wall.
Bottom line: all these tweaks are band-aids at best. Either buy more iCloud storage or a new phone. That’s just how Apple’s cornered us.