iPhone 17’s Stunning Photos and Videos Are Bigger Than Ever—But Storage Is Still a Problem
Introduction
The iPhone 17 series has landed, and as expected, Apple has once again raised the bar for mobile photography and videography. Powered by the blazing-fast A19 Bionic chip, Wi-Fi 7 support, and advanced imaging hardware, the iPhone 17 Pro is marketed as the ultimate pocket-sized camera system. Reviewers and Apple fans alike are praising its next-generation camera performance, particularly its ability to shoot ProRAW photos and ProRes videos that rival professional gear.
But there’s a catch. As impressive as the iPhone 17’s visuals are, storage space remains a bottleneck. Even with larger storage options like 512GB or 1TB, high-resolution photos and videos can eat through capacity at alarming speeds. And for those who opt for the more affordable 128GB or 256GB versions, running out of space is almost inevitable.
So, how do you keep enjoying the iPhone 17’s full camera potential without constantly worrying about storage limits? The answer lies in external storage with robust security, and that’s where the VCOM Fingerprint Encrypted SSD Enclosure comes into play.
iPhone 17 Camera and Video Upgrades = Bigger Files
Apple has long pushed the iPhone as a tool for creators, but the iPhone 17 Pro takes it a step further with new imaging technology. According to MacRumors, the iPhone 17 Pro continues the trend of larger sensors and improved optical zoom, providing clearer, sharper images and more detail in both bright and low-light conditions.
Apple also continues to offer advanced formats like Apple ProRAW and ProRes, which are a dream for professionals—but a nightmare for storage.
→According to Apple’s support documentation, a single ProRAW photo can reach up to 25MB in size, compared to just 2–3MB for a standard HEIF image. [Apple Support]
→For video, Apple states that ProRes 4K at 30fps can consume approximately 6GB per minute. [Apple Support]
Now imagine this:
→Shoot just 10 minutes of ProRes 4K footage, and that’s 60GB gone.
→Capture 1,000 ProRAW photos on a trip, and you’re looking at 25GB of storage used—for photos alone.
Even if you’ve invested in a 256GB iPhone 17 Pro, much of that capacity is already taken by iOS, apps, cached files, and personal data. Your effective storage space shrinks quickly, making external storage almost a necessity.
The Storage Dilemma: Limited iPhone Options
Apple offers the iPhone 17 in storage configurations starting at 128GB, with higher-end versions offering 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. But let’s be honest:
→128GB and 256GB users: These models are barely practical for ProRAW and ProRes workflows.
→512GB and 1TB models: They are great, but they come at a steep cost—hundreds of dollars more upfront compared to base models.
For many users—especially photographers, videographers, journalists, and content creators—the economics don’t add up. You shouldn’t need to buy the highest-capacity iPhone just to shoot in the formats Apple promotes.
And while iCloud and other cloud storage solutions are an option, they come with drawbacks:
→Ongoing subscription fees (iCloud+ starts at $0.99/month, scaling up to $9.99/month for 2TB).
→Upload bottlenecks when dealing with multi-gigabyte video files.
→Privacy concerns for sensitive data, especially if you’re working on client projects.
This leaves many iPhone 17 users searching for a more practical and secure solution: external storage that’s fast, portable, and safe.
Why External Storage Is the Smarter Solution
Unlike internal upgrades or cloud subscriptions, external storage offers flexibility and control. You can offload files immediately, keep multiple drives for different projects, and carry your data without worrying about internet connections.
But not all external drives are created equal. A generic SSD enclosure may give you more space, but what about data security? What if you misplace the drive or someone else accesses your content? For professionals handling sensitive footage, or even regular users with private photos, security is just as important as capacity.
That’s why fingerprint-encrypted SSD enclosures are becoming the go-to solution. They provide both expanded storage capacity and built-in biometric security—and this is where VCOM’s solution shines.
Introducing VCOM Fingerprint Encrypted SSD Enclosure
The VCOM Fingerprint Encrypted SSD Enclosure is designed with modern users in mind—especially those who rely on iPhone 17’s advanced camera capabilities. Here’s why it’s the perfect pairing:
Ultra-Secure Fingerprint Encryption
Supports up to 20 individual fingerprints, making it ideal for personal use or shared work environments. Biometric security ensures that even if the drive is lost, your data remains locked away.
Broad SSD Compatibility
Works with M.2 NVMe and SATA SSDs, supporting popular form factors like 2230, 2242, and 2280.
Lightning-Fast Transfers with USB 3.2 Gen 2
Offering up to 10Gbps data transfer speeds, it allows you to quickly move massive ProRes video files or thousands of ProRAW photos from your iPhone to your SSD.
Portability Meets Durability
Compact enough to carry in a pocket, yet robust enough for daily use. Ideal for creators, students, and business professionals on the go.
Peace of Mind for Privacy
Whether it’s client footage, personal photos, or academic research, you can rest assured knowing your files are safe from unauthorized access.
In short, the VCOM enclosure not only expands your iPhone 17’s storage capacity but also elevates your data security to the next level.
Real-World Use Cases with iPhone 17
Travel Photography
A photographer on vacation shoots thousands of ProRAW photos and hours of 4K ProRes video. Instead of worrying about running out of iPhone storage, they transfer files daily to a VCOM fingerprint SSD enclosure—freeing up space and securing precious memories.
Professional Videography
A content creator films an entire short film on iPhone 17 Pro. With ProRes footage easily crossing hundreds of gigabytes, they use VCOM’s enclosure to store raw footage and back up projects before editing on a MacBook Pro.
Business and Education
A student or business professional uses their iPhone for interviews and recordings. Sensitive audio files and documents are stored in the encrypted enclosure, ensuring both mobility and privacy.
How to Choose the Right External Storage for iPhone 17
When considering external storage, here are the essentials:
Speed: At least USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) to handle large video files.
Security: Fingerprint or hardware-level encryption to safeguard your data.
Compatibility: Support for multiple SSD types ensures flexibility and cost efficiency.
Capacity: Choose based on your workload—1TB for casual shooters, 2TB+ for professionals.
The VCOM Fingerprint Encrypted SSD Enclosure checks all these boxes, making it a standout choice for iPhone 17 users.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17’s ProRAW photography and ProRes video recording open exciting possibilities for creators and everyday users alike. But with file sizes ballooning—25MB per photo and 6GB per minute of 4K ProRes video—even the most spacious iPhone storage options can fill up fast.
Instead of paying a premium for higher-capacity models or relying solely on cloud storage, you can take control of your data with VCOM’s Fingerprint Encrypted SSD Enclosure. It’s not just about more space—it’s about faster workflows, better security, and peace of mind.
If you’re ready to unlock the full creative power of iPhone 17 without worrying about running out of storage, VCOM has you covered.