First Impressions From New iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Users

We've seen dozens of iPhone XS and XS Max reviews from media sites that Apple invited to test the new smartphones ahead of their release, but now that the new iPhones have officially launched in the United States and other countries around the world, iPhone XS and XS Max first impressions from regular Apple customers are now available.

New iPhone XS and XS Max users on reddit, Twitter, and the MacRumors forums have been sharing their opinions on the two new devices, and for those awaiting their own new iPhone or considering a purchase, the impressions from average consumers provide interesting insight.

MacRumors reader shooter03 said that the larger display of the iPhone XS Max is "amazing" and exactly what he's after. "I'm like WOW!!" he wrote.

iphonexsmax 1

Image via shooter03

I had the 7+ then the X and I really missed the + size so that's why I went for the Xs+. Screen size is pretty mind blowing. As for hand size it fits me nicely ( I have sorta big hands ) feels a little lighter than the X which is weird. But all in all it's so nice.

shooter03 shared some iPhone XS Max photos he took of his dogs using Portrait Mode and the new Depth Control feature that lets you adjust the depth of field after taking a photo, which came out great.

iphonexsmaxphotos

Image via shooter03

Reddit user jtx660 who upgraded from an iPhone 7 said the display of the new iPhone is incomparable to the display of the iPhone 7, with vibrant, bright colors.

iphonexrgoldreddit

Image via reddit user jtx660

jtx660 also put together a video of his iPhone and shared a photo gallery to show it off.

First thing I noticed was definitely that huge OLED 6.5" panel. Its vibrant, extremely bright and immerse a f. After using it for 2 hours and switching back to the 7 Plus, the 7 Plus's 16:9 rectangle display felt slightly dated. The OLED panel is what really stood out the most.

Ok the camera. Holy crap, the auto focus is ridiculously quick. Putting my hand in front of the camera and taking it away, it focuses INSTANTLY (nearly). I'm amazed at how they were able to make it faster than the already fast 7 Plus' camera. I am yet to test the video 4K at 60fps and all those other features.

MacRumors reader sjperformance said he didn't notice a huge weight difference between the iPhone X and the iPhone XS Max, and that it didn't seem much bigger either. He also shared a photo of the iPhone XS Max next to the iPhone X.

iphonexsmaxandx

Image via MacRumors reader sjperformance

I believe I'll be keeping the Max. Never liked how big the plus felt. Especially with those bezels and what not. To me X was perfect but after awhile I desired a bigger screen. With Max the weight difference doesn't bother me because X is heavy too.

The Max fits perfect inside my pockets. Didn't really feel a difference inside slim jeans I was wearing today. It does seem more faster smoother over my X running iOS12. I already use my X with 2 hands to text, emails, forums, etc. One handed only when viewing social media, reading something, an email. Barely use my X one handed. I'm used to 2 hands on my X therefore the Max feels normal to me. Having a huge screen with no bezels. No home button truly makes an immense difference. Y'all will enjoy it.

Have an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max? Feel free to share your first impressions and your photos in the comments below. We'll be sharing a hands-on video later today when the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max launch in the United States, so stay tuned to MacRumors.com.

Popular Stories

iphone 17 models

No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest

Thursday January 1, 2026 8:43 am PST by
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest...
duolingo ad live activity

Duolingo Used iPhone's Dynamic Island to Display Ads, Violating Apple Design Guidelines

Friday January 2, 2026 1:36 pm PST by
Language learning app Duolingo has apparently been using the iPhone's Live Activity feature to display ads on the Lock Screen and the Dynamic Island, which violates Apple's design guidelines. According to multiple reports on Reddit, the Duolingo app has been displaying an ad for a "Super offer," which is Duolingo's paid subscription option. Apple's guidelines for Live Activity state that...
Clicks Communicator Feature

'Clicks Communicator' Unveiled — Will You Carry This With Your iPhone?

Friday January 2, 2026 6:35 am PST by
The company behind the BlackBerry-like Clicks Keyboard accessory for the iPhone today unveiled a new Android 16 smartphone called the Clicks Communicator. The purpose-built device is designed to be used as a second phone alongside your iPhone, with the intended focus being communication over content consumption. It runs a custom Android launcher that offers a curated selection of messaging...
Low Cost MacBook Feature A18 Pro

Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year

Friday January 2, 2026 9:08 am PST by
Apple plans to introduce a 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, according to TrendForce. In a press release this week, the Taiwanese research firm said this MacBook will be aimed at the entry-level to mid-range market, with "competitive pricing." TrendForce did not share any further details about this MacBook, but the information that it shared lines up with several rumors about a more...
Apple Fitness Plus hero

Apple Announces New Fitness+ Workout Programs, Strava Challenge, and More

Friday January 2, 2026 6:43 am PST by
Apple today announced a number of updates to Apple Fitness+ and activity with the Apple Watch. The key announcements include: New Year limited-edition award: Users can win the award by closing all three Activity Rings for seven days in a row in January. "Quit Quitting" Strava challenge: Available in Strava throughout January, users who log 12 workouts anytime in the month will win an ...
Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature Pink

Apple's 2026 Low-Cost A18 Pro MacBook: What We Know So Far

Friday January 2, 2026 4:33 pm PST by
Apple is planning to release a low-cost MacBook in 2026, which will apparently compete with more affordable Chromebooks and Windows PCs. Apple's most affordable Mac right now is the $999 MacBook Air, and the upcoming low-cost MacBook is expected to be cheaper. Here's what we know about the low-cost MacBook so far. Size Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook will have a display that's around 13 ...
Mac Pro Feature Blue

What's Happening With the Mac Pro?

Wednesday December 31, 2025 9:59 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2023, and according to recent rumors, there's no update coming in the near future. In fact, Apple might be finished with the Mac Pro. Bloomberg recently said that the Mac Pro is "on the back burner" and has been "largely written off" by Apple. Apple apparently views the more compact Mac Studio as the ideal high-end pro-level desktop, and it has almost...

Top Rated Comments

Kaibelf Avatar
95 months ago
Can we all just stop the parade and take a moment to appreciate those gorgeous dogs? Great pics of those boxers!
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anshuvorty Avatar
95 months ago
Last year, I upgraded from the 5S to the X and those people who are upgrading from the 7-family to the XS/XS Max will definitely be overwhelmed by the display, like I was. The colors actually are more vibrant and they do certainly "pop" because of the OLED display. Staring at tried and true, and less vibrant LCD displays like from the previous series of phones and going to the OLED display for the 1st time is certainly a memorable experience. You get so captivated by the display. I am happy for those of you who decided to stave off from upgrading last year and are enjoying the more refined X-series experience this year. Enjoy your new phones!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
shooter03 Avatar
95 months ago
oh yeah btw if anyone wants to follow the boys on instagram Check out @zeus_n_styx

Here they are in all their glory again.

Attachment Image
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mydel Avatar
95 months ago
Here comes my plea that Im sure its not gonna change anything! Guys! Stop buying these phones! If you need a new phone go iPhone 8 or wait for XR. Buying the phones in the 1200-1500 EUR range is insane. That is not good for anyone!
It is not good for consumers as they have significant price hikes from year to year. I understand that we pay premium for the privilege of using MacOS and iOS but Apple is going too far. They testing waters how high can they go to increase the profits and maintain market share. As long as people are buying them in millions nothing would change.
It is not good for environment as we are producing tons of waste just in the name of having so called newest and greatest. It makes no sense. Our previous models are equally good!
Its not good for Apple as they will get lazy and not even try to be more reasonable with the customers. Why would they if they can sell everything at any price point? They dont even include proper cables and charger in the 1200EUR phone. Thats telling! And as I mentioned at some point I find it insulting.
Its not good for society as the social pressure to have the newest gadgets is enormous. And I bet you that a lot of people is buying things they cant afford just not to be seen as "worse". Look at the post about the delays. People are getting furious about 2 day shipment delay. It is a complete corruption of values. I could go on and on but I hope you get my point.
I payed 5000USD for the MBP and although i find it overpriced I tend to keep my laptops for many many years and use them for work so that somehow justifies the spending. But phones? They slowly creeping up with the prices of AW too. On every front starting from the hardware through the Apple care.

OK. My rant is over :)
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pete2106 Avatar
95 months ago
They're very nice phones but I can't help but think I would buy one, play with it for a day, and then think "Why the hell did I spend £1100 on this?".
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mejsric Avatar
95 months ago
Now, im excited, more.

I can’t wait mine.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)