With the introduction of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, Apple has lowered its prices on previous iPhone models, introducing a new iPhone lineup that offers devices at a range of different price points.
The 4-inch iPhone SE continues to be Apple's most affordable iPhone, but it has a new lower price point. Pricing on the iPhone SE starts at $349 for the 32GB version and goes up to $449 for the 128GB version. With carrier financing, prices start at $14.55 per month.
The iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus are the middle-tier devices, available in 32 and 128GB capacities. Pricing on the iPhone 6s starts at $449 ($18.71/month with carrier financing), while pricing on the iPhone 6s Plus starts at $549 ($22.88/month with carrier financing).
Apple is continuing to offer the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, also in 32 and 128GB capacities. Pricing on the iPhone 7 starts at $549 ($22.80/month with carrier financing) and pricing on the iPhone 7 Plus starts at $669 ($27.88/month with carrier financing).
Apple's new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are available in 64 and 256GB capacities. The iPhone 8 is priced at $699 for the 64GB model and $849 for the 256GB model. With the iPhone Upgrade Program, prices start at $34.50 per month.
The iPhone 8 Plus is priced at $799 for the 64GB model and $949 for the 256GB model. With the iPhone Upgrade Program, prices start at $39.50 per month.
The iPhone X is the new flagship high-end iPhone, available in 64 and 256GB capacities. The 64GB iPhone X is priced at $999, or $49.91 per month with the iPhone Upgrade Program, while the 256GB model is priced at $1,149 or $56.16 per month with the iPhone Upgrade Program.
The iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 15, with the devices launching on September 22. The iPhone X will be available for pre-order on October 27 ahead of a November 3 launch.
Though not mentioned on stage at today's event, both the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 are "fast-charge capable," which means the two devices can be charged to 50 percent battery life in 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, that fast-charging feature is not available using accessories that are sold alongside the two devices. To charge at that level, the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 need to be plugged into Apple's 29W, 61W, or 87W USB-C Power Adapters, which are sold alongside its USB-C MacBook and MacBook Pro models.
The least expensive USB-C Power Adapter is the 29W version for the MacBook, priced at $49. The 61W USB-C Power Adapter for the 13-inch MacBook Pro is $69, and the 87W USB-C Power Adapter for the 15-inch MacBook Pro is $79.
To go along with the USB-C Power Adapter, a USB-C to Lightning Cable is also required. Apple charges $25 for a 1 meter cable and $35 for a 2 meter cable.
That means the cheapest solution for fast charging is going to cost iPhone owners an additional $74.
Both devices also support wireless charging using Qi-compatible wireless charging accessories. Product listings for the Belkin and Mophie wireless charging accessories say that high-speed wireless charging (7.5 watts) will be enabled via an update coming later this year, but it won't match the fast-charging speeds available through the USB-C power adapter.
As for battery life, the iPhone X offers two hours of battery life over the iPhone 7, while the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus continue to offer the same battery life.
In a day filled with surprises, Apple has shocked us once again with the release of iTunes 12.7, which entirely revamps the iTunes App. The new iTunes is designed to focus solely on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks, which means there is no built-in App Store.
The App Store has been entirely eliminated in iTunes 12.7, as has the ringtones section of iTunes. Internet Radio is now part of Music, and iTunes U has been folded into Podcasts, as Apple announced in late August.
Apps can now only be downloaded on an iOS device using an iOS device, and the same goes for ringtones. In addition to the removal of the App Store, today's update adds support for syncing iOS 11 devices and includes support for new Apple Music features that allow you to follow friends and see what they're listening to.
The new iTunes focuses on music, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks. It adds support for syncing iOS 11 devices and includes new features for--
Apple Music. Now discover music with friends. Members can create profiles and follow each other to see music they are listening to and any playlists they've shared.
Podcasts. iTunes U collections are now part of the Apple Podcasts family. Search and explore free educational content produced by leading schools, universities, museums, and cultural institutions all in one place.
If you previously used iTunes to sync apps or ringtones on your iOS device, use the new App Store or Sounds Settings on iOS to redownload them without your Mac.
The new iTunes 12.7 update can be downloaded from the Mac App Store through the Software Update mechanism. The update is available for all iTunes users at no cost.
Following today's event that saw the introduction of the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Apple Watch Series 3, and 4K Apple TV, Apple has quietly raised the prices on all of its 256 and 512GB iPad Pro models.
All 256 and 512GB 10.5 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are $50 more expensive. For the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, Apple now charges $649 for the 64GB model, $799 for the 256GB model, and $999 for the 512GB model.
For the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple charges $799 for the 64GB model, $949 for the 256GB model, and $1149 for the 512GB model. All cellular models are an additional $130 over the above listed prices.
Prior to today, 12.9-inch iPad Pro pricing was $799/$899/$1099 for the 64/256/512GB models, while 10.5-inch iPad Pro pricing was $649/$749/$949.
It is not clear why Apple has decided to raise the prices on its iPad Pro models, but prices could be increasing due to increased costs for memory.
Best Buy has already updated its iPad Pro pricing to reflect price increase, but other sites have not yet done so. If you plan to purchase a higher-capacity iPad Pro, now is the time to do it at a site that still offers the original price. For the best deals, check out our Deals Roundup, which features price charts for all Apple devices, including the iPad Pro.
Apple's iPhone X features an IP67 water resistance rating, which is identical to the water resistance rating of the iPhone 7, according to Apple's iPhone X features page. With an IP67 water resistance rating, the iPhone X is splash, water, and dust resistant.
IP67 is two numbers, one that refers to the dust resistance rating and one that refers to water resistance. IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, so the iPhone X is fully protected against dust.
IPx7, the water resistance rating, means the iPhone X can withstand immersion in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes, tested in laboratory conditions. IPx7 is the second-highest rating, below IPx8, which indicates an ability to withstand long periods of submersion under pressure.
Apple's iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are also rated as IP67 water and dust resistant. With all of its devices, Apple warns that while they are water and dust resistant, those are not permanent conditions and resistance could decrease as a result of normal wear.
Because Apple does not cover any kind of water damage to iOS devices, it's best to continue to use caution when exposing a water resistant iPhone to liquids, avoiding contact whenever possible.
There were rumors suggesting Apple's new iPhones might feature an IP68 water resistance rating to match the Samsung Galaxy devices, but that particular rumor did not turn out to be true.
As for the Apple Watch Series 3, it too has identical water resistance ratings to the Apple Watch Series 2. According to Apple, the Apple Watch Series 3 has a water resistance of rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or an ocean, but it should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities that involve exposure to deep water or high-velocity water, including a shower.
Apple today held its annual September iPhone-centric event, and this year's keynote saw the debut of some of the most impressive devices we've seen from the company in years.
It took Apple two hours to introduce the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Apple Watch Series 3 and 4K Apple TV, but we've recapped the entire event in just over five minutes for those of you who would like to get a quick overview of all the announcements.
The $999 iPhone X was the main event at today's keynote, with the device featuring the most advanced technology ever available in an iPhone. It has an entirely revamped design with an edge-to-edge display and a glass body, plus it features new facial recognition capabilities that replace Touch ID, an A11 Bionic chip, inductive wireless charging, and dozens of other improvements.
Its companion devices, the iPhone 8 ($699) and the iPhone 8 Plus ($799) are also impressive. Though these two iPhones are similar in design to the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus and lack facial recognition, they too feature glass bodies that enable wireless charging and an A11 Bionic chip, among other improvements.
The Apple Watch Series 3 looks like the Apple Watch Series 2, but it features a faster processor and new LTE functionality, allowing it to operate independently of the iPhone for the first time. Pricing on the LTE Apple Watch Series 3 starts at $399, while a non-LTE version is available at prices that start at $329. A selection of new bands have also been introduced alongside the new Apple Watch.
Last but not least, Apple introduced the new 4K Apple TV, which features support for 4K HDR streaming. There's a new A10X Fusion processor in the Apple TV, but design wise, it's identical to the fourth-generation Apple TV. Pricing on the new Apple TV starts at $179.
With the exception of the iPhone X, all of Apple's new devices will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 15 ahead of a Friday, September 22 launch date. The iPhone X will launch on November 3, with pre-orders for that device available on October 27.
For a complete recap of all of our coverage today, make sure to check out our dedicated recap post, which has links to all of our articles covering new products introduced following today's event.
With the introduction of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, Apple has quietly discontinued its (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models. Apple's (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were first introduced in March of 2017, six months after the debut of the iPhone 7.
The two devices were released in celebration of more than 10 years of partnership between Apple and (RED), with proceeds provided to the Global Fund to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Though the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have been discontinued, Apple is still selling the devices in Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Matte Black, and Jet Black. Pricing on the iPhone 7 now starts at $549 for the 32GB model, while pricing starts at $669 for the 32GB iPhone 7 Plus.
Apple is offering the two devices in 32 and 128GB configurations, with the 256GB models having been discontinued alongside all (PRODUCT)RED devices.
While Apple is no longer offering a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone, the company continues to sell many (PRODUCT)RED accessories, including several that were introduced today. There are new 38mm and 42mm Ruby (PRODUCT)RED Apple Watch Classic Buckle bands for $149, and Apple has also introduced a new (PRODUCT)RED Leather Sleeve for the iPad Pro priced at $129, and a new (PRODUCT)RED Apple Pencil Case priced at $29.
A portion of the sales from Apple's entire (PRODUCT)RED accessory lineup is donated to the Global Fund, a charity that funds AIDS-related programs in Africa.
While the focus and discussion following today's Apple event remains largely on the iPhone X, the company also announced the Apple Watch Series 3, which packs cellular connectivity into the same form factor of Apple's wearable device that we've seen since the first generation.
First impressions for the device have now been released, and The Verge pointed out that the Apple Watch Series 3 will be very familiar to any previous Apple Watch wearers, explaining that you can only really notice its slightly thicker case when comparing the Series 3 to the Series 2 from each side. The only other differentiating factor is the red dot on the Digital Crown of the LTE models.
Apple claimed that the LTE Apple Watch Series 3 will last as long as previous versions of the smartwatch (about 18 hours, though most users get more out of it), but The Verge remained skeptical about that statistic ahead of an official test and review. For now, the site said the updated Apple Watch still doesn't feel like a game-changer, but those on older generations will likely find a lot of reasons to upgrade.
And the even bigger question: will having a smartwatch with LTE really change things? Apple is not the first to make an LTE-equipped smartwatch; Samsung and LG have done it before. It will certainly be useful for very specific things — not having to carry a phone on a long hike and still having LTE for emergency situations, or streaming new music from the watch when you’re out and about and are tired of your locally stored stuff. And hey: Apple even showed a woman surfing while wearing a cellular-equipped Apple Watch.
But I’m also not convinced yet that this is a total game-changer — not yet. It’s still in a relationship with iPhone. It just happens to be a more powerful, capable, more independent gadget when iPhone is not around.
Engadget noted that while the design of the Apple Watch Series 3 isn't "much to write home about" when looking for differences between it and earlier models, Apple's decision to retain support for older bands is still a welcome move. After trying it on, Engadget said the Series 3 version felt essentially the same to the Apple Watch Series 2, but the site explained that this is "a huge testament to [Apple] Watch's design team.
That the Apple Watch Series 3 doesn't feel different from the Series 2 I wear almost everyday is a huge testament to Watch's design team. Apple says the actually difference in depth amounts to two sheets of paper, and, while I didn't have any spare sheets to test against, most people will never notice the difference. That's saying something considering just what's inside: there's an LTE radio and an embedded SIM, and the screen itself acts as an antenna. Unfortunately, none of the Apple Watches I tested were actually provisioned on a cellular network, so no test calls went through.
Engadget also pointed out a "pretty noticeable" increase in performance compared to Series 2, although it isn't as "pronounced" as the jump from the first generation to Series 2. Of course, some of the more notable changes to Series 3 -- like hearing Siri speak or streaming Apple Music -- will have to wait for official reviews once the device launches on September 22.
There's a pretty noticeable step up in performance too, thanks to the S3 chipset ticking away inside. The change doesn't seem quite as pronounced as the leap from the Series 1 to the Series 2, but I didn't notice any lag or stuttering on Apple's pre-release units.
All told, the Series 3 packs some handy upgrades and should serve as the starting point for people new to the Apple Watch. I'm curious to see how many people will actually embrace the wireless version, which costs $70 extra than the non-LTE model. Apple's vision of wearables is one where people don't have to worry about carrying their phones with them 24/7, but honestly, I think a lot of people like things the way they are.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is available in a Wi-Fi only model starting at $329, and a Wi-Fi + Cellular model starting at $399. Apple today also unveiled new bands and cases for the device, including a new Sport Loop and new Gray Ceramic case.
Apple's iPhone X will enable new features in its standalone Clips app, according to the iPhone X section on Apple's website describing all of the new features found in the device. A mention of the new feature has also been added to the Clips webpage.
When using Clips with an iPhone X, there's a new "Selfie Scenes" feature that will use the TrueDepth front-facing camera on the device to immerse users in a selection of 360-degree animated landscapes.
Selfie Scenes on iPhone X make Clips even more fun, using the TrueDepth camera to immerse you in beautifully animated landscapes, movie sets, and abstract art. Each scene is a full 360° experience, so any way you move iPhone X, the scene moves with it.
Apple says the new Selfie Scenes feature will be coming to Clips in November, which is when the iPhone X will be available.
iPhone X's 3D front-facing camera will also enable new functionality in a range of third-party apps, like Snapchat. On stage, Apple's Craig Federighi showed off new Snapchat filters, which look much more realistic on the iPhone X.
Apple today at the Steve Jobs Theater introduced the iPhone X, and said the high-end smartphone will be available in Space Gray and Silver, despite multiple rumors recently about a so-called "Blush Gold" colorway.
For perspective, the less expensive iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be available in an all-new gold finish, and beyond the plastic iPhone 5c, every model since the iPhone 5s has been available in at least one shade of gold.
Yesterday, well-connected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple may be encountering some production issues with the gold iPhone X, which could explain why Space Gray and Silver will be the only colors at launch.
Due to component supply constraints, we estimate current production of the OLED iPhone at less than 10k units per day, which means the model will remain in severe short supply for a while. Furthermore, we estimate that the gold version of the OLED iPhone will encounter some production problems and will initially be available only in extremely low volume. There is even a chance that the gold version will go on sale at a later date than the other versions. However, we believe these shipment delays will have a limited impact on the shares of Apple and its supply chain members.
Kuo predicted that the gold iPhone X would either be available in "extremely low volume" or go on sale at a later date, but it's unclear at this point if Apple will introduce a gold model to the iPhone X lineup in the future.
Apple has introduced new colors for already-released iPhone models in the past, like the (PRODUCT)RED special edition iPhone 7, so it's certainly a possibility the iPhone X could eventually come in gold.
iPhone X can be ordered starting Friday, October 27, with in-store availability starting Friday, November 3.
Apple today introduced its new flagship device, the iPhone X, equipped with an edge-to-edge OLED display, a new facial recognition system, an A11 Bionic chip, and dozens of other improvements.
All of those high-end components don't come cheap, with pricing on the device starting at $999 for the 64GB version. As it turns out, AppleCare+ for the iPhone X will also be more expensive, at $199.
That's a $70 premium over AppleCare+ for the 8, which is priced at $129, the same price as AppleCare+ for the iPhone 7. AppleCare+ for the iPhone 8 Plus will cost $149, with Apple raising the AppleCare+ pricing for all of its Plus models by $20. Prior to today, AppleCare+ for larger-screened devices was $129, but with the new price change, AppleCare+ for iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 6s Plus costs $149.
AppleCare+ for iPhone X will extend warranty coverage of the device to two years from the original date of purchase, and it will cover two incidents of accidental damage. Apple will charge $29 to replace a damaged screen, or $99 for any other damage. These fees, interestingly, have not gone up in price.
AppleCare+ will need to be purchased alongside the new iPhone X or within 60 days. Coverage includes the iPhone itself, the battery, and the included earphones and accessories.
Out of warranty screen repair costs are not available for the iPhone X as of yet, but for the iPhone 8 Plus, repairs cost $169. For the iPhone 8, repairs cost $149. That's a $20 increase across the board compared to previous repair costs. These new higher repair costs also apply to the iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 6s Plus.
The new iPhone X will be available for pre-order on October 27, with the device seeing an official release on November 3.
Apple's iPhone X event has officially wrapped up, so as it does for every keynote the company has now posted the full video of the event on its website. For anyone who avoided news of the event, couldn't watch due to work or school, or followed our spoiler-free post, you now have the chance to catch up with all of the reveals on your own time.
Apple will also publish the keynote to iTunes and its YouTube channel, but it usually takes a bit longer for the videos to show up there. For Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference this year, on June 5, it took four days for the WWDC keynote to appear on YouTube. We'll update this article each time the iPhone X event keynote is added to a new site to stream online.
The company has been quicker in adding the short videos that debuted during the keynote to its YouTube channel, giving viewers who missed them the first time around -- or those who want to watch them again -- the chance to check out each ad. We've rounded up the new videos and listed them below:
In addition to the videos posted online, you can catch up with all of the iPhone X event coverage by checking out our list of keynote and news highlights below, encompassing all of MacRumors' September 12 event coverage that has been posted today. This includes articles about the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Apple TV 4K, Apple Watch Series 3, iOS 11, watchOS 4, tvOS 11, macOS High Sierra, and many more.
iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus Announcements
Alongside the new 4K Apple TV, Apple today quietly released a new, slightly redesigned Siri Remote to go along with it. Priced at $59, the updated remote features a new more prominent Menu button with a white circle around it.
Aside from the redesign to the Menu button, the new Apple TV Siri Remote appears to be identical to the previous-generation model. At $59, the remote is $20 cheaper than the previous-generation Siri Remote.
Ahead of the launch of the new Apple TV, there was code found in leaked golden master software that suggested the new remote would feature new haptic feedback capabilities, but there's no mention of haptic feedback functionality in the description of the device.
The revamped Remote continues to ship with a Lightning to USB cable, and it is available with both the new 4K Apple TV and the existing fourth-generation Apple TV.
Apple is pricing the 4K Apple TV starting at $179 for a 32GB model. The fourth-generation Apple TV is available for $149.
Update: Apple notes in its overview on developing apps for the Apple TV 4K that the new Siri Remote is able to provide apps with data on attitude and rotation rate, in addition to the acceleration and gravity data generated by the original version.
With every new iPhone release, Apple introduces a new "magical" feature like Live Photos, and in the iPhone X, that new unique, Apple-only feature is Animoji, a new set of emoji-style characters that animate based on an iPhone user's facial expression.
Animoji take advantage of the new TrueDepth front-facing camera, which powers Face ID and features several new 3D sensors to detect your facial expressions. The TrueDepth camera analyzes more than 30,000 invisible dots projected onto your face to get a precise depth map that's able to accurately translate your own facial movements to the Animoji.
When used for Animoji, the TrueDepth camera is able to analyze more than 50 muscle movements in different areas of your face to mimic your speech patterns and expressions. It detects movement of the eyebrows, cheeks, chin, eyes, jaw, lips, eyes, and mouth.
There are 12 different Animoji to choose from, modeled after existing emoji characters: monkey, robot, cat, dog, alien, fox, poop, pig, panda, rabbit, chicken, and unicorn.
Animoji exist in the Messages app alongside stickers, emoji, and other Messages apps. You can use Animoji to record and send messages to friends, with the characters mimicking your movements and using your voice.
Animoji are exclusive to the iPhone X and won't be available until the device launches later this fall. Apple plans to accept iPhone X pre-orders starting on October 27, with an official launch coming on November 3.
Apple today announced that its TV app for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV will be expanding to seven additional countries by the end of the year.
The app will be released in Canada and Australia later this month, followed by France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the UK by the end of the year. The app has been available in the United States only until now.
Apple's TV app simplifies the television-watching experience, and helps users discover new TV shows and movies to watch. The app provides a unified experience for accessing TV shows and movies across multiple video apps.
The announcement was made by Apple's services chief Eddy Cue during the company's iPhone X event at the Steve Jobs Theater today.
Apple just officially announced the iPhone X, its all-new, drastically redesigned, tenth anniversary iPhone. Right after the keynote where it debuted, reporters were treated to the hands-on demo room within the Steve Jobs Theater where they got to be among the first people in the world to hold an iPhone X. Below we'll round up some of the first impressions on the device, which many publications are describing as "beautiful," "striking," and a "sensational-looking" iPhone.
SlashGear called the iPhone X "familiar, and yet so very different," alluding to the aluminum casing of the new iPhone that matches the original iPhone's design, while also commenting on the "striking" OLED display. While other smartphones have had OLED screens, SlashGear said the iPhone X "takes it to another level," with text and graphics that look "embedded into the toughened glass" of the display.
Although the top "notch" of the screen looked intrusive in viewing some photos and videos, the site largely said that it shouldn't get in the way much elsewhere.
Most striking, of course, is the display. Apple has not only pushed the 5.8-inch OLED panel to the very edges of the bezel, it has hugged the corners too. The much-discussed “notch” in the top – housing not only the new TrueDepth Camera, but various other sensors used for the new Face ID system – looks intrusive in photos but, in my brief use of the iPhone X, didn’t feel like it would get in the way.
You’re too busy marveling at Apple’s OLED screen, really. We’re used to bright, color-rich panels from OLED technology but the iPhone X takes it to another level, text and graphics looking like they’re embedded into the toughened glass that protects the phone front and back. It’s pleasingly smear and lag-free, even in fast-paced augmented reality games, too.
The Verge said that the "star of the show" for the iPhone X is its 5.8-inch OLED screen, which goes to great lengths in proving that an iPhone without a Home Button can actually work. Furthermore, the site said Face ID "actually works," with a nearby Apple demo assistant repeatedly showing off the biometric security feature, which "worked every time" even under the bright and erratic conditions of the demo area.
The Verge continued by noting a few of the iPhone X's control gestures will likely take some time to get used to, including swiping up to go home, but over time the site predicted it'll become just as natural as current UI controls on iOS 10. Like many sites, The Verge noted the $999 price tag for the starting model of the iPhone X, but said that for most users it'll feel "worth it."
The thing that a lot of people want to talk about with the iPhone X is its $999 starting price, but when you have the phone in your hand, it feels... worth it. The X is an extremely beautiful device, with a stainless steel band and glass back curving into a 5.8-inch OLED display that stretches all the way across the front of the phone.
The screen dictates everything about the iPhone X’s design, including its lack of a home button. This will probably be one of the most controversial things about the phone among iPhone users, but Apple has done a lot of work to make iOS feel natural without a home button. I couldn’t test out the new FaceID authentication myself without setting it up, but it was configured for one of Apple’s demo assistants, and it worked every time he showed it off, even under the frenetic conditions and bright lights of the demo area.
TechRadar called the iPhone X "easily, easily the best-looking phone Apple's ever made," with rear glass that feels "solid and secure" in the hand and the rounded edges and light form factor make it "pleasant to hold," although fingerprints will be a problem. Despite being slightly smaller than an iPhone 7 Plus, TechRadar noted that some iPhone X gestures will still require two hands, and pointed out that "you can't reach the top right-hand corner as easily" for bringing up the new control center.
Unlike The Verge's experience, TechRadar described a questionable demo experience with Face ID, where the demo worker had to keep turning the display off and on to active the facial recognition system. Still, it noted that daily testing will be required to truly see the potential of Face ID -- as well as all of the iPhone X's new features -- and came away largely impressed by the smartphone, particularly the display.
It's hard to overstate how beautiful this screen is - and that's not hyperbole brought on by extreme fatigue. It's deep, rich and smooth, and draws level with Samsung in the quality stakes easily. If the planned effect of the iPhone X was to wow with its display, it’s certainly done that. The colors are just so vivid on the all-screen front, and it truly feels like you’re holding one of the iPhone concepts we wrote about years ago.
We’re definitely going to need convincing with Face ID – Apple’s done a good job of explaining why its system is better than anything we’ve seen before, but without trying this day to day it’s hard to know whether it’ll be good enough to replace Touch ID and the demos weren't anywhere near convincing enough. But while question marks remain, there’s no doubt that this is the futuristic iPhone from Apple we’ve been waiting for. Just be ready to pay a hefty sum for it.
According to iMore's Rene Ritchie, the Face ID feature in the iPhone X will store just one face at a time, so only one person will be able to unlock a given device. To switch faces, the Face ID feature will need to be reset.
#FaceID is also limited to one face. If you want to switch, you have to reset. (Like OG Apple Watch, 1:1 relationship for now.)
— Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie) September 12, 2017
The iPhone X will officially be up for pre-order on October 27, and then go on sale November 3, starting at $999 for the 64GB version and rising to $1,149 for the 256GB version. Apple revealed the iPhone X earlier today, alongside the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Apple Watch Series 3, and Apple TV 4K.
Apple today unveiled the Apple Watch Series 3, which is the first Apple Watch model that includes an LTE chip for standalone cellular service on the device. Neither carriers nor Apple are offering information on what we can expect as far as pricing for connectivity goes, but a report from TheStreet sheds some light on what carriers are planning to charge on a monthly basis for the LTE Apple Watch in the United States.
AT&T plans to charge $10 per month to add an Apple Watch to an existing service plan while Verizon will also charge $10 per month after offering customers three free months of service.
Sprint and T-Mobile both plan to support the LTE Apple Watch, but have not provided details on how much it will cost per month. With AT&T and Verizon charging $10, pricing could be similar at Sprint and T-Mobile.
Because the Apple Watch and the iPhone share a phone number, both devices must use the same carrier for connectivity.
The LTE Apple Watch will be available in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and China, with Apple offering a list of supported carriers in each country on its website.
Pricing on the new LTE Apple Watch starts at $399 in the United States for the 38mm Aluminum model. Non-LTE versions are also available, with pricing on those models starting at $329. The Series 3 Apple Watch will be available for pre-order on September 15, with orders arriving on September 22, the official launch date of the device.
Update: T-Mobile also plans to charge $10 per month for the Apple Watch Series 3, and like Verizon, will offer three months of free service before charges kick in.
Apple today at the Steve Jobs Theater introduced the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus with an all-new aluminum and glass design.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus via The Verge
The Verge managed to get some hands-on time with the two new smartphones, which look more or less the same as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, beyond their glossier looking glass-backed finishes.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus look pretty much the same as their predecessors, but they have a new back cover that’s coated in glass and gives them a somewhat fresher look. The glass blends into the sides of the phone incredibly well, better than we’ve seen on other phones. There’s a subtle density to the glass, too, and overall it looks a lot better than the back of the 7. That glass back allows for wireless charging, which is one of the big new features here.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus via SlashGear
Those who owned an iPhone 4 may be concerned about Apple's return to a glass back, but it said the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have "the most durable glass ever in a smartphone, front and back."
Engadget's Chris Velazco held the iPhone 8 and felt it had a "bit of extra density" compared to previous models. Fortunately, SlashGear's Chris Burns said the difference is "near-impossibly-perceivable."
Apple's tech specs confirm the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are slightly heavier at 5.22 ounces and 7.13 ounces respectively, compared to 4.87 ounces and 6.63 ounces for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus respectively.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are also 0.2mm thicker than the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus respectively, so only the tightest of current cases may not fit.
Beyond their slightly thicker, glass designs, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus still have Touch ID, Lightning connectors, side Lock buttons, and no headphone jacks. And unlike the iPhone X, both still have bezels on the front.
