Storage and SIM

Storage and SIM


An iPhone 3G with the SIM slot open. The SIM ejector tool is still placed in the eject hole.
The iPhone was initially released with two options for internal storage size: four  GB or eight GB.

            On September 5, 2007, Apple discontinued the 4 GB models.[93] On February 5, 2008, Apple added a 16 GB model.

       The iPhone 3G was available in 16 GB and 8 GB. The iPhone 3GS came in 16 GB and thirty two GB variants and remained available in 8 GB until September 2012, more than three years after its launch.


The iPhone four is available in sixteen GB and thirty two GB variants, as well as a newly introduced 8 GB variant to be sold along side the iPhone 4S at a reduced price point. The iPhone 4S is available in three sizes: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. All data is stored on the internal flash drive; the iPhone does not support expanded storage through a memory card slot, or the SIM card. 



The iPhone 5 is available in the same three sizes previously available to the iPhone 4S: 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB.


GSM models of the iPhone use a SIM card to identify themselves to the GSM network.

 The SIM sits in a tray, which is inserted into a slot at the top of the device. The SIM tray can be ejected with a paperclip or the "SIM ejector tool" (a simple piece of die-cut sheet metal) included with the iPhone 3G and 3GS.


 Some iPhone models shipped with a SIM ejector tool which was fabricated from an alloy dubbed "Liquid metal".


 In most countries, the iPhone is usually sold with a SIM lock, which prevents the iPhone from being used on a different mobile network.


The GSM iPhone 4 features a Micro SIM card that is located in a slot on the right side of the device.



The CDMA model of the iPhone four, just the same any other CDMA-only cell phone, does not use a SIM card or have a SIM card slot.



An iPhone 4S activated on a CDMA carrier, however, does have a SIM card slot but does not rely on a SIM card for activation on that CDMA network. 


A CDMA-activated iPhone 4S usually has a carrier-approved roaming SIM preloaded in its SIM slot at the time of purchase that is used for roaming on certain carrier-approved international GSM networks only.

 The SIM slot is locked to only use the roaming SIM card provided by the CDMA carrier.

In the case of Verizon, for example, one can request that the SIM slot be unlocked for international use by calling their support number and requesting an international unlock if their account has been in good standing for the past 60 days.[101] This method only unlocks the iPhone 4S for use on international carriers.


 An iPhone 4S that has been unlocked in this way will reject any non international SIM cards (AT&T Mobility or T-Mobile USA, for example).


The iPhone five will feature the use of a nano SIM, in order to save more space for internal components.


Liquid contact indicators



All i Phones (and many other devices by Apple) have a small disc at the bottom of the headphone jack that changes from white to red on contact with water; iPhone 3G and later models also have a similar indicator at the bottom of the dock connector.

 Because Apple warranties do not cover water damage, employees examine the indicators before approving warranty repair or replacement.


The iPhone's indicators are more exposed than those in some mobile phones from other manufacturers, which carry them in a more protected location, such as beneath the battery behind a battery cover. The iPhone's can be triggered during routine use, by an owner's sweat, steam in a bathroom, and other light environmental moisture.


 Criticism led Apple to change to its water damage policy for i Phones and similar products, allowing customers to request further internal inspection of the phone to verify if internal liquid damage sensors were triggered.