Upgrading iPhone 17 Storage: From SSD to Sand
Hardware/Mobile

Upgrading iPhone 17 Storage: From SSD to Sand

A complex guide showcases how a modder upgraded an iPhone 17's storage by milling the SSD down to sand, highlighting the intricacies involved compared to typical laptop upgrades.

Changing the storage on the iPhone 17 models isn’t as simple as swapping out a drive like with laptops. It involves a modder showcasing the complex process of upgrading an iPhone’s storage by using a CNC milling machine to remove the old SSD module. The video demonstrates how to turn a 256 GB SSD into a 1 TB module, though it comes with significant challenges. Apple has designed its phones with security considerations that complicate storage upgrades.

Summary of the Upgrade Process:

  1. Disassembly - Carefully take apart the iPhone, paying attention to numerous screws and cable connections.
  2. CNC Milling - Use machinery to grind off the old SSD chip while preserving the underlying components.
  3. Reassembly - Once the old SSD is removed, a new module can be installed, followed by restoring the device to operation.

This guide emphasizes how advanced modding can yield significant storage improvements but might be better approached by purchasing a device with the desired capacity.

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