Apple surprised enthusiasts with a formidable challenge: attempting to upgrade the iPhone Air’s internal storage via intricate soldering techniques, which ultimately led to the device becoming unrecognized by iOS. Fortunately, the intrepid modder who took on this daring task did not resign to defeat. Instead, he managed to revive the sleek flagship while simultaneously boosting its storage capacity to 512GB using the very same procedure that initially rendered it inoperative.
Reviving the iPhone Air with Toshiba NAND Flash Module
The original iPhone Air came equipped with a 256GB NAND chip identified by a unique serial number starting with ‘2NB.’ Initially, YouTuber DirectorFeng speculated the manufacturer might be YMTC due to the lack of definitive identification. In a recent update, he sourced a newer Toshiba NAND flash, the ‘S6E’ variant, as opposed to the older ‘S5E’ used in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, identified by the model number ‘K848.’
It is plausible that the previously utilized 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB modules were also the older S5E versions, which failed to be recognized during the iOS flashing process. Thankfully, this time the modder proceeded without encountering the same obstacles, awaiting the operating system installation through a connected Mac. Additionally, he noted that the base iPhone 17, featuring 256GB of storage, uses the S5E module, indicating that this specific family of flash modules is crucial for recognition.
This entire experience indicates that Apple may not have entirely locked modded storage upgrades for the iPhone 17 series. However, potential modders must possess dexterous skills and the right components to avoid similar pitfalls. DirectorFeng’s video highlights that the Toshiba K848 NAND module was ideally sized for the upgrade, removing the need for additional modifications like changing resistors in multi-layer configurations.
Ultimately, the YouTuber not only resurrected the iPhone Air but also doubled its storage capacity as a result of his endeavors. In his video, he expressed plans to pursue a 1TB upgrade once suitable chips become available, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for future modifications.
News Source: DirectorFeng
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