Apple Quietly Removes 256GB iPhone SE Model From Online Store - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Quietly Removes 256GB iPhone SE Model From Online Store

Following updates to its product lineups this week, Apple has quietly discontinued the 256GB capacity option for the iPhone SE.

iPhone SE 2020 Side Cropped for Feature copy
Prior to this week, the iPhone SE was available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, but since Tuesday's "California streaming" event and subsequent product lineup rejig, only the first and second of those capacities are listed on Apple's online store. Pricing for the 64GB and 128GB iPhone SE options remains the same.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning an update to the iPhone SE for the first half of 2022. The current model was launched in April 2020, so the removal of the 256GB variant could be a sign that Apple is beginning to ramp down production of this particular model.

During its virtual event, Apple announced that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini start with 128GB of storage, which is double the base 64GB offered for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.

The storage capacities available for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max also have a new 1TB storage option.

Pricing continues to start at $699 for the iPhone 13 mini, $799 for the iPhone 13, $999 for the iPhone 13 Pro, and $1,099 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Preorders for the new iPhone 13 models begin Friday.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Surprise and Shine Live Coverage Article

Apple Event Live Blog: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and More Expected

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:10 am PDT by
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where we're expecting to see the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, new AirPods 5 earphones, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We...
iphone duo

Apple Announces Foldable 'iPhone Duo'

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:56 am PDT by
Apple today announced the "iPhone Duo," a new kind of iPhone featuring two screens and a foldable inner display. The two halves of the iPhone Duo connect into a single continuous frame with the same aspect ratio across both displays, and Apple said the transition between open and closed is designed to feel fluid. When fully open, Apple says it is the thinnest iPhone ever made, with an...
apple surprise and shine event

Apple Event Today: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo Cheat Sheet

Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:24 am PDT by
Apple's biggest event of the year is almost here, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone expected to headline Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running full throttle, fuelled by the biggest single design change in the life of the iPhone. To get you up to speed, here's a quick reference...

Top Rated Comments

JPack Avatar
65 months ago
At this point, the majority of customers buying the SE are price sensitive. So no need for 256GB. When SE came out last year, you could argue some were looking for a new device with a small form factor. Today, you can buy the iPhone 12 and 13 mini.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iSayuSay Avatar
65 months ago

At this point, the majority of customers buying the SE are price sensitive. So no need for 256GB. When SE came out last year, you could argue some were looking for a new device with a small form factor. Today, you can buy the iPhone 12 and 13 mini.
Well then Apple should remove the 64GB, and lower the price for 128 and 256GB overall. Say goodbye to 64GB iPhones once and for all.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bobob Avatar
65 months ago

Apple has quietly discontinued the 256GB capacity option for the iPhone SE.
What? No keynote?!? :eek:
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ritmo Avatar
65 months ago
California cleaning
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
65 months ago

At this point, the majority of customers buying the SE are price sensitive. So no need for 256GB. When SE came out last year, you could argue some were looking for a new device with a small form factor. Today, you can buy the iPhone 12 and 13 mini.
Touch ID!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
555gallardo Avatar
65 months ago
I feel like launching the iPhone SE 2020 shortly before iPhone 12 mini was a misstep for both devices. I’m aware of the vastly different price range, but the smallest 12 had a lot of discounts in the past few months.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)