Since upgrading to iOS 18.6 I have to repeatedly offload apps because I keep running out of storage - never had to do that before. It looks like system data is the issue - iOS and system storage together taking more than half my 64gb. Anyone experiencing similar issues?
[Edited by Moderator]
Original Title: System storage issues iOS 18.6
iPhone 12, iOS 18
iOS storage isn't out of line and is normal for an iPhone 12. I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iOS with all the Apple Intelligence features, is 18 GB. System Data is a collection of cache and app data, which goes up and down as the system demands. You could backup your iPhone, then restore the phone from backup, which will reduce your System Data, but it will grow again over time as that is normal. For example, if you play games you'll store a lot of game data in System Data.
The real issue is that a phone with 64 GB just isn't enough memory anymore. Apple doesn't sell any iPhone today with less than 128GB. As technology advances, storage needs go up. The next time you buy an iPhone, make sure to buy one with enough memory to meet not just your current needs, but your future needs. I now only buy phones with 512 GB.
Again, if you want reduce system data, backup your iPhone, then restore the phone from backup.
Here is a link which will guide you --> Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
iOS storage isn't out of line and is normal for an iPhone 12. I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iOS with all the Apple Intelligence features, is 18 GB. System Data is a collection of cache and app data, which goes up and down as the system demands. You could backup your iPhone, then restore the phone from backup, which will reduce your System Data, but it will grow again over time as that is normal. For example, if you play games you'll store a lot of game data in System Data.
The real issue is that a phone with 64 GB just isn't enough memory anymore. Apple doesn't sell any iPhone today with less than 128GB. As technology advances, storage needs go up. The next time you buy an iPhone, make sure to buy one with enough memory to meet not just your current needs, but your future needs. I now only buy phones with 512 GB.
Again, if you want reduce system data, backup your iPhone, then restore the phone from backup.
Here is a link which will guide you --> Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
"Mine is consuming 49gb of system data which seems completely out of line. I haven't attempted a restore yet."
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Ridding of "System Data" (Formerly Called "Other"):
Back up your iPad, and then restore your iPad form a backup. For reference, refer to my User Tip: How to Clear "Other" in your iPhone's Storage - Use Backup - User Tip
Thank you. Restart has reduced the caches quite a bit. I’ll monitor. I went for 2x the previous storage on my last upgrade but clearly it wasn’t enough. Next time…
You're welcome. iPhone 17 is coming soon. Maybe one will have your name!
Mine is consuming 49gb of system data which seems completely out of line. I haven't attempted a restore yet.
System Data and iOS 18.6 are taking up a lot of my iPhone's storage
