Last week, Apple announced the latest models in its iPhone line, providing a reason for Apple users to abandon their previous devices in favour of the newer and shinier versions. IN the same fashion as previous iterations of the iPhone, this year’s models are more of an upgrade than a brand new phone - anyone looking for the iPhone 11 will have to wait until next September. However, the keynote still provided plenty of talking points to consider.
iPhone X gets an upgrade
Apple’s presentation included 3 new types of iPhone - the XS, XS Max and the XR. The XS (pronounced ten ess) is essentially a souped-up version of last year’s iPhone X, meaning it’s faster and more responsive with improved technology. Face ID is now even more secure and it should be, considering it’s the only way to unlock the phone. The XS also has an improved camera system, allowing for more complex photography on the go and better sound quality on videos.
Last year’s iPhone X only came in one size rather than the two sizes Apple fans are used to. Apple has rectified this with the iPhone XS Max, a larger version of the upgraded model. This version offers a 6.5-inch display - the largest that Apple has ever featured in a phone. Despite the increased size, the lack of bezels means its the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus. Other than that, it’s exactly the same phone as the iPhone XS.
Cheaper option
The final new iPhone from Apple is the XR. This essentially acts as a cheaper version of the standard XS and is the same size as its more expensive brother. In fact, the only difference between the models is that the XR has an LCD display instead of an OLED one and an aluminium frame. This makes it an enticing option for those who want the power of an XS without the price tag.
New A12 Chip
The full iPhone XS range comes with the new A12 Bionic chip. This is the fastest chip Apple has ever put in an iPhone and offers a next-generation feel to games and apps. Apple claims that the processor will learn from you as you use it, though quite what that means has yet to be seen.
The stats for the A12 are impressive. Apple claims that it’s up to 15% faster than the A11 and uses up to 50% less power thanks to its 4 efficiency cores. The A12 is also capable of the AR tech that the previous iPhone was and expands upon it to offer more immersive gaming and specialised apps. To most users, the A12 will end up feeling like a battery upgrade and little else, but it’s good that Apple still attempts to improve year on year.
No new version of 8
Fans of the home button will be sad to learn that there is no new version of the iPhone 8 model available this year. Whilst you can still buy the 8 and 8 Plus, that model of iPhone is no longer part of Apple’s plans going forward. By next year, you can expect Apple to discontinue the 8 altogether, with the expected reveal of the iPhone 11 probably making it obsolete. However, this does make the 8 the ultimate version of that specific make of iPhone, so it’ll probably be well worth buying for a good few years to come.
