Storage and memory upgrades are where Apple continues to charge insane levels of premium and those who were previously not proficient in soldering NAND storage modules on iPhones were straight out of luck. Now, based on the latest video, the Cupertino firm is limiting modded storage upgrades on the iPhone Air, with the new chips in multiple capacities unable to be recognized when flashing iOS on them.
Modding the storage on an iPhone Air means wiping the data from the existing NAND flash, which can potentially render the device unusable; device features storage chips with an unrecognized serial number
A shiny new iPhone Air came into possession of modder DirectorFeng who decided to upgrade the 256GB of internal memory on the sleek flagship to a whopping 1TB storage using intricate soldering techniques. Upon disassembly and reaching the logic board, the YouTuber discovered that the storage chip features the serial number starting with ‘2NB’ and says that he has not noticed this configuration on previous models.
The individual concludes that these NAND flash modules were not sourced from Samsung, SK hynix, Toshiba, or SanDisk, so DirectorFeng speculates that Apple could be utilizing leftover inventory from YMTC since the latter is no longer a supplier due to U.S. trade restrictions. After ‘wiping out’ the original module, the content creator uses steady hands and patience to add a 1TB storage chip to the iPhone Air, after which, he begins to flash iOS when connecting the handset to a Mac using a cable.
Unfortunately, this is the part where trouble starts to brew because an error with the code ‘4014’ pops up, saying that flashing was unsuccessful. The YouTuber grabbed a 512GB NAND flash chip and repeated the process, only to be met with the same obstacle. As a last resort, he grabs a 256GB module, but his efforts are futile, leading us to believe that either compatible NAND memory chips are yet to arrive for the iPhone 17 family, or Apple is deliberately locking down modders from upgrading their storage, forcing them to pay the premium.
![[ASMR]World's first iPhone Air teardown review and the failed experience of upgrading to 1TB storage](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pEPsixzE5Bs/hqdefault.jpg)
In any case, the iPhone Air that was experimented on is now useless, since the original 256GB memory chip has been wiped clean. Fortunately, the device can be resurrected if and when those newer storage modules arrive, but that could be a long wait, and even then, there is no guarantee that this process will be successful. A valuable lesson learned today is to pay Apple the extra sum and avoid these modding escapades for now.
News Source: DirectorFeng
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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