Why iPhone Storage Shows Less Than Advertised
Your 128GB iPhone does not have 128GB. Here is why and how much you get.
The Complete Explanation
Understanding how storage works on your Apple device helps you manage it more effectively. Many users are confused by storage categories, file sizes, and optimization settings — and that confusion leads to wasted space.
The key insight is that most storage waste comes from redundant photos (duplicates, similar shots, blurry images) and cached app data. These files serve no purpose but can consume 10-30GB on a typical device.
Key Takeaways
- Photos and videos are almost always the #1 storage consumer
- App caches grow silently in the background
- System Data includes caches, logs, and temporary files that fluctuate
- Recently Deleted items still occupy storage for 30 days
- iCloud optimization can dramatically reduce local storage usage
What You Can Do About It
Download PX Cleaner
Get PX Cleaner free from the App Store for the fastest way to identify wasted storage.
Run an AI Scan
PX Cleaner analyzes your photo library and identifies files that can be safely removed.
Clean and Optimize
Use the swipe interface to clean up quickly, then adjust your device settings for ongoing optimization.
Why PX Cleaner for your device?
AI-Powered
Machine learning detects duplicates, blurry photos, and similar shots automatically.
Swipe to Clean
Tinder-style interface makes cleanup fast and intuitive.
100% Private
Everything happens on-device. No photos are uploaded anywhere.
Lightning Fast
Full library scan in 1-3 minutes. Clean up in under 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage for a visual breakdown. Apple also has support articles explaining each category.
PX Cleaner uses AI to identify the biggest storage wasters — duplicates, blurry photos, large videos — and makes cleanup fast with its swipe interface.
See PX Cleaner in Action
