Do iPhones have micro SD card support in 2024?

If you are confused and wondering whether iPhones have micro SD card support or not, our guide has everything you need to know.

Like most smartphones, iPhones come with limited storage, and the only option to get additional storage is by opting for cloud storage. Some of the most common services include iCloud, Google Drive, and more.

With that said, many might wonder if iPhones have any way to expand memory using micro SD cards. In this article, we have got the answers to all your queries. Let’s jump into it.

Did iPhones ever have micro SD card support?

No, Apple never brought the feature of micro SD card support to iPhones.

The micro SD or memory card slot is one of those features that never got to see the light, at least when it comes to the flagship handheld lineup from the tech giant.

Why iPhones don’t have micro SD card support

Most Android smartphones are equipped with a dedicated slot for a micro SD card, offering a simple way to increase the device’s storage capacity. However, iPhones have always lacked this option, and there are many reasons for that:

  1. Seamless user experience: Apple prioritizes a seamless user experience, a product that operates smoothly and doesn’t require micromanagement. SD cards bring in a layer of complexity that requires saving files on a separate chip. Moreover, once an SD card is full, the user is faced with the task of migrating data to a new card or forgoing the use of the SD card, which can be a time-consuming process.
  2. Complications in the future: The process of upgrading to a new phone gets difficult due to SD cards which can further complicate Apple’s goal of streamlining the transition to newer models.
  3. Can cause performance issues: In terms of performance, SD cards are typically slower and less reliable than built-in storage, leading to an inconsistent user experience, especially with media consumption. Over time, SD cards are susceptible to failure, which could lead to data loss. Additionally, opting out of SD Cards encourages users to purchase iPhones with more built-in memory, which ultimately benefits the company financially.
  4. Misuse of space: Lastly, including an SD card slot requires space that could otherwise be used for enhancing the iPhone’s features, such as a bigger battery or an advanced camera system. Thus, while expandable storage is a useful feature for some, Apple has chosen a different path for their iPhones, focusing on a contained, efficient, and profitable ecosystem.
an image of iphone 14 in hands

Do iPhones have external SSD support?

Yes, the latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro models support external SSDs. Since the Pro models have a much faster USB-C port, you can connect an external SSD to your device to record and transfer ProRes videos seamlessly.

If you’re wondering how to connect an external SSD to your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, our guide has got your back with all the information you need.