Everything Apple Didn’t Announce at Today’s Event

Today’s “Gather Round” Apple event focused on just the iPhone and the Apple Watch, with Apple introducing the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR, along with updated Apple Watch Series 4 models.

There was no sign of the iPad Pro, AirPower, or new Macs, and because we know these products are in the works, no mention at the September event essentially confirms that an October event is in the works. In past years, when there have been new fall Macs and iPads on the horizon, Apple has held an iPhone event and then a separate October event, which is likely to be the plan again this year.

Below, we’ve listed everything rumored to be on the horizon that was not included in today’s event.

iPad Pro

Apple is said to be working on updated iPad Pro models that adopt an iPhone X-style design with slimmer bezels and no Home button, with the iPads instead set to gain a TrueDepth Camera System that will allow Face ID to be used for biometric authentication purposes.

While the iPhone XS includes a notch for the TrueDepth Camera, leaked iPad Pro designs in the iOS 12 beta suggest the iPad Pro models will not have a notch, instead retaining slim top and bottom bezels. Apple is also not planning to use an OLED display for the iPad at this time due to cost and production issues.

Renderings of 12.9-inch iPad Pro based on alleged CAD drawings
Rumors suggest the new iPad Pro models will be available in screen sizes that are approximately 11 and 12.9 inches, with Apple using chamfered edges that are similar in design to the iPhone SE. The antenna lines on the device may also be located at the top and bottom, similar to the iPhone 7.

Renderings of 12.9-inch iPad Pro based on alleged CAD drawings
Renders based on leaked CAD drawings suggest the iPad Pro has a relocated Smart Connector that’s been moved from the side of the device to the back of the device, but how this would functionally work remains in question, so it’s not clear if the information is accurate.

We’ve also heard that the new iPad Pro models will not feature a headphone jack, with Apple opting to do away with the port as it did in the iPhone lineup beginning with the iPhone 7.

Mac mini

Apple is said to be working on a refreshed version of the Mac mini that’s focused on pro users. The upgraded device will include new storage and processor options, and because of its pro focus, it could be more expensive than previous Mac mini products.

There’s not a lot of additional information available on the Mac mini, but a previous rumor suggested the higher-end version “won’t be so mini anymore” hinting at least one configuration with a larger size to accommodate higher-end components.

Given that this is going to be a pro-focused machine, it’s not clear what chips it will adopt, but Intel this year has announced 8th-generation processors appropriate for both desktop and notebook machines. Past Mac mini models have used the same chips as the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but Apple may be planning to opt for more powerful chips for a pro Mac mini model.

Low-Cost MacBook Air

Apple has a 13-inch MacBook Air replacement in the works, which has been the subject of rumors for more than a year now. It’s been unclear whether Apple plans to position the machine in the MacBook Air family or the 12-inch MacBook family, but some concrete details about the upcoming notebook can be gleaned from everything we’ve heard.

Positioned as an entry-level low-cost machine in Apple’s product lineup, the notebook will be 13 inches in size and it will feature a Retina display. It is said to be similar in design to the current 13-inch MacBook Air, but with slimmer bezels.

It’s not entirely clear how Apple will distinguish this machine from the 12-inch MacBook if it’s going to offer a Retina display, but if the design is similar to the current MacBook Air, the 12-inch MacBook will still be Apple’s lightest machine, justifying its higher price tag.

Various pricing rumors have suggested that it could be available for anywhere from $799 to $1,200, but the most reliable source, Bloomberg, believes it will cost under $1,000.

Whiskey Lake chips appropriate for a MacBook Air-like machine were announced by Intel in August, and so Apple could potentially be planning to use these chips in the device.

12-Inch MacBook

Regardless of whether the rumored lower-cost 13-inch notebook is a MacBook Air or a MacBook, Apple is likely still planning to maintain the 12-inch MacBook lineup, though reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently confusingly said that the 13-inch machine could “replace the position” of the current 12-inch MacBook, and it’s not entirely clear what that means.

Upgraded 12-inch MacBooks will likely feature Intel’s 8th-generation Amber Lake Y-series processors, announced in August. These chips bring processor and battery improvements, so new MacBooks could offer both faster performance and longer battery life.

Aside from upgraded Intel chips, there’s been little information on what else Apple might add to a refreshed MacBook lineup.

iMacs

We haven’t heard any iMac rumors in recent months, but Apple refreshes its iMac lineup on a regular basis, so an upgrade may be in the works.

If iMacs are refreshed in 2018, new machines could feature upgraded 8th-generation Intel processors, improved GPUs, and perhaps the adoption of the T2 chip that was introduced in the iMac Pro and has since been added to the MacBook Pro.

AirPower

It’s not clear what’s going on with the AirPower, the accessory that’s meant to charge the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once. It was introduced in September 2017, and since then, Apple has made no mention of it.

AirPower was not included in today’s event, and in fact, after the event, Apple basically removed all mentions of the AirPower from its website.

The one AirPower mention is limited to the AirPods page, where an optional wireless AirPods charging case is listed as “currently unavailable.” The AirPower doesn’t appear to be listed anywhere else.

Apple said the AirPower would debut at some point in 2018, so we could still see it in October, November, or December.

Tag: September 2018 event
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Electrocardiogram Functionality in New Apple Watch Series 4 Models Limited to US, Coming Later This Year

Apple Watch Series 4 models include an electrical heart rate sensor that’s designed to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) using an ECG app, the built-in sensor, and the electrodes included in the Digital Crown, but the ECG functionality won’t be coming until later this year.

According to Apple’s Apple Watch Series 4 website, the ECG app that will enable the electrocardiogram feature will be available later in 2018. That means at launch, the ECG feature won’t be functional.

As several MacRumors readers have pointed out, it appears ECG readings are going to be limited to Apple Watch models sold in the United States. Apple Watch Series 4 pages for countries like the UK and Canada contain no mention of the feature, and Apple’s press release for Series 4 models says ECG functionality is U.S. only.

To take an ECG reading from the Apple Watch, users will need to place a finger on the Digital Crown while wearing the watch. The reading is completed in just 30 seconds, allowing users to determine whether their hearts are beating in a regular pattern or if there are signs of atrial fibrillation, which can be an indicator of serious health problems.

Atrial fibrillation is a health condition that often goes undiagnosed, so the ECG feature in the Apple Watch will be highly useful for detecting early signs of disease. ECG readings also normally require a full ECG machine and a visit to the doctor, which is far less convenient than a reading taken with the Apple Watch.

Apple says that the ECG feature in the Apple Watch has been granted a De Novo classification by the FDA as outlined on the FDA’s website [PDF], and the need for regulatory approval is likely why the ECG feature is not available in other countries.

De Novo FDA approval is a preliminary approval process granted to new devices that are not likely to cause harm. According to the FDA, the Apple Watch’s ECG feature should be used only for informational purposes, should only be used by those over 22 years of age, and is not recommended for people with known arrhythmias.

The ECG app is a software-only mobile medical application intended for use with the Apple Watch to create, record, store, transfer, and display a single channel electrocardiogram (ECG) similar to a Lead I ECG. The ECG app determines the presence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or sinus rhythm on a classifiable waveform. The ECG app is not recommended for users with other known arrhythmias.

The ECG app is intended for over-the-counter (OTC) use. The ECG data displayed by the ECG app is intended for informational use only. The user is not intended to interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional. The ECG waveform is meant to supplement rhythm classification for the purposes of discriminating AFib from normal sinus rhythm and not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment.

The ECG app is not intended for use by people under 22 years old.

Apple has also obtained FDA approval for the feature in the Apple Watch Series 4 models that sends notifications when an irregular heart rhythm is detected through the ECG feature or through standard Apple Watch heart rate monitoring.

All ECG data gathered by Apple Watch Series 4 models is stored in the Health app in a PDF format that can easily be shared with physicians.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4, watchOS 5Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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Apple Offering Pre-Approval for iPhone Upgrade Program in Apple Store App

Following the announcement of the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max, which will be available for pre-order this Friday, Apple is letting prospective and existing iPhone Upgrade customers get pre-approval through the Apple Store app [Direct Link].

When selecting “View Pricing” on the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, there’s a banner option to “Get Ready” for the iPhone XS pre-order. Tapping on this banner allows users to choose an iPhone, confirm a carrier, and get pre-approved for an iPhone Upgrade Program loan.

There’s also an upgrade process for existing iPhone Upgrade Program users that can be found right under the “Get ready for pre-order now” option.

All iPhone Upgrade customers, both those new to the program and existing users, should go through this pre-approval process ahead of pre-orders to speed up their iPhone orders on Friday.

Pre-approvals will be available until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, with pre-orders set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, September 14.

With the iPhone Upgrade Program, pricing on the iPhone XS starts at $49.91 per month, while pricing on the iPhone XS Max starts at $54.08 per month.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTags: iPhone Upgrade Program, September 2018 event
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In mobile cyberwar, attackers prefer to phish rather than send malware

After examining half a billion emails sent between January and June, researchers at FireEye revealed that an alarming one out of every 101 emails are malicious, but it’s not just malware that you should be looking out for. While malicious emails can either contain a link to convince you to download harmful software onto your system, attackers can also deceive you into divulging sensitive information through phishing scams.

In fact, 10 percent of all malicious emails sent today contain viruses, worms, ransomware, trojans, spyware, or adware. These emails are classified as malware. However, most emails — an overwhelming 90 percent — are based on social engineering scams, such as spear phishing, impersonation, credential harvesting, or other schemes. The number of non-malware scams has increased by 65 percent year-over-year.

The shift in attack strategy has been largely driven by the adoption of mobile devices. Because most people check their emails on their phones, it’s harder to send a virus that way and attackers are changing their strategy. “With email security solutions focused on detecting malware, cybercriminals are adapting their attacks, exposing organizations to malware-less assaults such as CEO fraud,” FireEye reported.

Researchers noted that it’s easier for hackers to trick their victims into thinking they’re communicating with someone they know with CEO fraud and spear phishing campaigns because “most mobile email clients display only the sender’s name — and not an email address.” By using social engineering, these types of attacks are much easier to carry out against victims using mobile devices. Hackers no longer have to spoof an entire domain name — instead, all they need to do is convince you that you’re communicating with a trusted person, like a boss or CEO, by faking the name displayed in the header of the message.

Though phishing campaigns have been on the rise worldwide, these types of attacks have gained a lot of publicity in the United States since the 2016 presidential election. It’s been reported that a successful phishing attempt gave Russian hackers to approximately 60,000 emails belonging to John Podesta, the campaign chairman of Hillary Clinton. The tactic was also used to breach the network of Sony Picture Entertainment in a highly publicized hack in 2014.

FireEye claims that email is the most popular vector for cyber attacks, and that “91 percent of cybercrime starts with email.”

Editors’ Recommendations

• Homeland Security is worried about Gmail’s confidentiality mode
• Just when you thought spam was dead, it’s back and worse than ever
• Google will warn businesses if state-sponsored hackers target G Suite users
• Here’s how to send a text message from your email account
• The best email clients

Apple Watch Series 4 vs. Series 3: Which should you get?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

In September, Apple pulled back the curtain on the latest iteration of its popular smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 4. The Series 3 is already a superb device — as of 2018, it topped our list of the best smartwatches — so what could Apple possibly do to best it? A few things, as it turns out. The Series 4 has a number of new features (some subtle, some astounding), but it’s not a cheap gadget, and if you already own a Series 3, you may wonder whether the upgrade is worth it. Let’s break down the differences between the two models.

Specs

Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 3

Display size
40mm (44mm w/ cellular)
38mm (42mm w/ cellular)

Resolution

324 x 394 pixels (368 x 448 w/ cellular)

272 x 340 pixels (312 x 390 w/ cellular)

Touchscreen
LTPO OLED Retina display w/ Force Touch
OLED Retina display w/ Force Touch

Wireless interface
Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, LTE and UMTS
Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, LTE and UMTS

Depth
10.7mm
11.4mm

Accelerometer
Yes
Yes

Gyroscope
Yes
Yes

Altimeter
Yes
Yes

Ambient light sensor
Yes
Yes

Optical heart rate
Yes
Yes

GPS
Yes
Yes

Water resistant
Yes
Yes

Battery life
18 hours
18 hours

Price
From $399
From $279

Availability 
Available to order September 14, available September 21
Now

Design and display

The Series 3 was a familiar face for anyone who had one of the previous models, with the most notable difference being a colored dot on the crown. It was also just a tiny bit thicker than its predecessors.

The Series 4 sports a seamless edge-to-edge display, and Apple boasts that it is more than 30 percent larger than the Series 3’s. This is in keeping with the trend in mobile devices of purging bezels once and for all, and it makes for a sleek device.

The Series 3 expanded the functionality of the Apple Watch by adding cellular support, and the Series 4 builds on this with an improvement in form: The new watch has a back made of black ceramic and sapphire, which Apple claims will allow radio waves to flow with less resistance, improving reception. The Series 4 also rocks a speaker that is 50 percent louder than the previous generation’s. These factors combine to make a smartwatch that should be much better for making calls on the go — although whether this makes the Apple Watch a legitimate smartphone replacement is still up in the air.

A small but welcome touch is the addition of haptic feedback to the Series 4’s crown. As users scroll through screens, the watch will reward them with a comforting click.

Fitness and health-tracking features

The Series 3 was already a great fitness tracker. In our review, we described it as “clear, concise, informative, and encouraging, and with many different modes to suit the majority of people.” We also noted that “heart-rate monitoring is easy, and there are varied tracking options for walking, running, cycling, swimming, and more.”

The Series 4 pushes the design to new heights with the addition of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor. When a user places their finger on the crown, the watch creates a “closed circuit” and can measure the rhythm of the user’s heart. It’s a major addition for customers worried about their heart health, and according to Apple it is the first ECG sensor available over the counter. Apple has already secured approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the Series 4 to be considered a legitimate medical device.

Another boon to the Series 4’s health tracking is the ability to detect when the user has fallen over. If the user remains on the ground for a minute, the watch can even place a call to emergency services, a miraculous feature for people who live alone and need assistance.

Battery life

With all these new features, one may wonder if the battery life has taken a hit. Apple hasn’t extended the battery life, but it has at least maintained it. Like its predecessor, the Series 4 will get 18-hour “all-day” battery life, although Apple did bump the outdoor workout battery life to six hours.

Pricing and availability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The circle of wearable life continues, and with the arrival of the Series 4, Apple is dropping the starting price of the Series 3 to $279. The Series 4 will start at $399, or $499 for the cellular version. Customers will be able to place their orders for the Series 4 starting September 14, and the device will be available (in most markets) starting September 21.

Conclusion

If you’re strapped for cash, the Series 3 remains a lovely device, and you’d certainly be fine sticking with it (or picking it up at the new, lower price). For those who don’t balk at the Series 4’s price tag, however, it is undoubtedly the smartwatch to get, a bold evolution of what was already the premier device on the market. Its new health-tracking features are unparalleled, and a great addition for anyone concerned about their vitals.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple Watch Series 4: Everything you need to know
• Here’s how and where to buy the Apple Watch Series 4
• Best Buy is knocking $50 off the Apple Watch Series 3 for a short time
• Save $50 on the Apple Watch Series 3 with Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale
• The Apple Watch Series 1 has been discounted to an all-time low

Apple iPhone Xr vs. iPhone 8 vs. iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 6s: Which is best for you?

If you’re not willing to spring for Apple’s cream of the crop, but you’d like to upgrade from an older iPhone, or even make the switch from Android, then this iPhone competition should interest you. We’re pitting the new iPhone Xr against last year’s iPhone 8, the iPhone 7, and the now-discontinued iPhone 6s to find out just what the differences are.

Which iPhone will suit you and your budget best? Find out in this iPhone royal rumble as we compare the specs in various categories and explain what has changed.

Specs

Apple iPhone Xr

Apple iPhone 8
Apple iPhone 7

Apple iPhone 6s

Size
150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches)
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches)
138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches)
138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches)

Weight
194g (6.84 oz)
148g (5.22 oz)
138g (4.87 oz)
143g (5.04 oz)

Screen size
6.1 inches
4.7 inches
4.7 inches
4.7 inches

Screen resolution
1,792 x 828 pixels (326 ppi)
1,334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
1,334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
1,334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)

Operating system
iOS 12
iOS 11 (upgradeable to iOS 12)
iOS 10 (upgradeable to iOS 12)
iOS 9 (upgradeable to iOS 12)

Storage space
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
64GB, 256GB
32GB, 128GB, 256GB
16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

MicroSD card slot
No
No
No
No

Tap-to-pay services
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Apple Pay

Processor
A12 Bionic
A11 Bionic
A10 Fusion
A9

RAM
TBC
2GB
2GB
2GB

Camera
12MP rear with OIS, 7MP front
12MP rear with OIS, 7MP front
12MP rear with OIS, 7MP front
12MP rear, 5MP front

Video
2,160p up to 60 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
2,160p up to 60 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
2,160 at 30 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps
2,160 at 30 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth 4.2

Ports
Lightning port
Lightning port
Lightning port
3.5mm audio jack, Lightning port

Fingerprint sensor
No
Yes
Yes
Yes

Water resistance
IP67
IP67
IP67
No

Battery
TBC
1,821mAh
1,960mAh
1,715 mAh

App marketplace
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store

Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
White, Black, Blue, Coral, Yellow, Red
Silver, Space Grey, Gold, Red
Jet Black, Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Red
Space Gey, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold

Price
$750
$600
$450
$400 or less

Buy from
Apple
Apple
Apple
Discontinued

Review score
Hands-on review
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

With a new processor rolling out every year, Apple steadily improves on power efficiency and performance. The iPhone 7 is faster and smoother than the iPhone 6s, the iPhone 8 is faster and smoother than the iPhone 7, and so on. This year is no exception, so we can expect lightning-fast performance from the iPhone Xr, which boasts the same A12 Bionic chip as the top-of-the-line iPhone Xs and Xs Max. The iPhone 8 is still perfectly capable of handling everything you can throw at it and the iPhone 7 is no slouch, but if you’re upgrading from the iPhone 6s, then you’re really going to feel the difference.

There’s wireless charging support for the iPhone Xr and iPhone 8 and both also support fast charging, though you have to buy a fast charger separately if you want to enjoy it. We didn’t find a big difference between the iPhone 8 and 7 in terms of battery life, but Apple claims that the iPhone Xr can last 90 minutes longer than the iPhone 8 Plus, so it clearly has more stamina than the rest of our competitors.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

From the iPhone 6s through to the iPhone 8, there have been only minor changes in the design. Perhaps most notably, the 3.5mm headphone port was dropped in the iPhone 7. Apple also managed to reduce the antenna bands that broke up the aluminum body. With the iPhone 8, that aluminum back was replaced with glass, enabling wireless charging for the first time. The iPhone 8, 7, and 6s all have large bezels above and below the screen, with a TouchID home button below.

After a few years of gradual refinement, the iPhone Xr stands out as a bigger shift with a large edge-to-edge display and the same notch you’ll find in the iPhone X, Xs, and Xs Max. There’s no room for TouchID and it continues the glass back trend.

In terms of durability, the iPhone 6s is the odd one out with no water resistance, while all the others have an IP67 rating that allows them to survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The switch to a glass back probably makes the iPhone Xr and 8 slightly more at risk of serious damage from a fall, so a good case is advisable.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Amazingly, the display remained almost entirely unchanged from the iPhone 6s through to the iPhone 8. All three of the older iPhones sport a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1,334 x 750 pixels. Apple made slight improvements to get more out of it, but the iPhone Xr is significantly different with a much larger 6.1-inch display and the same notch as the iPhone X. It is still an LCD screen, but it’s 6.1 inches diagonally and has a resolution of 1,792 x 828 pixels. Apple is calling it a Liquid Retina display and claiming that it’s the most advanced LCD display on the market.

All these iPhones have the same level of sharpness with resolutions that work out to 326 pixel-per-inch (ppi). You are going to be comfortable watching movies, playing games, or reading on any of these displays, but the iPhone Xr is the best in terms of size and quality.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

All of these iPhones have solid cameras, but there was a significant jump between the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 7 with Apple introducing optical image stabilization (OIS) and ramping up the megapixel count in the front-facing camera to 7 megapixels.

The iPhone Xr sports a 12 megapixel main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, which is the same as the iPhone 8’s camera on paper, but the newer sensor is supposed to be faster, according to Apple. It also supports the new depth control in portrait mode for a customizable bokeh effect.

The selfie cameras in the iPhone 8 and 7 are similar, but the iPhone Xr boasts the same TrueDepth front-facing camera as the X, Xs, and Xs Max. That’s handy since you’ll need FaceID to unlock it without any TouchID on the device, but it means you’ll be able to enjoy Animojis and Memojis on the new iPhone, too.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Software and updates

Simon Hill / Digital Trends

There’s a new version of iOS every year, but Apple is also very good at updating older iPhones. The iPhone Xr will launch with iOS 12 on board, but all of the iPhones we’re comparing here can be updated to iOS 12. The iPhone 6s was also the first to support 3D Touch, so there’s no significant difference between the iPhone 8, 7, and 6s in terms of the software experience. However, the most recent iPhone Xr doesn’t have 3D Touch and relies on gestures and tap, so it does feel distinct. You also get the aforementioned FaceID and everything else the front-facing TrueDepth camera can do.

The current cutoff for iOS 12 is the iPhone 5s, so we expect the iPhone 6s to get another couple of updates. The newer iPhones will continue to get updates for longer, but there isn’t a big gap here.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Special features

There aren’t a lot of special features to speak of because Apple concentrates on getting the core experience right, but we could highlight that TrueDepth camera again since the Xr is the only one here to have it. The extra screen real estate and quality, as well as the new color options, might catch your attention, too.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Price

When Apple releases a new iPhone, it always drops the prices on its older models. The iPhone 6s is now discontinued, though you can probably pick one up from a carrier or retailer or buy a cheap refurbished model. The iPhone 7 has dropped down to $450, the iPhone 8 starts at $600, and the new iPhone Xr will set you back $750.

While the rest are widely available now, you can’t pre-order the iPhone Xr until October 19, it will ship on October 26.

Overall winner: iPhone Xr

Unsurprisingly, the newest of the bunch, the iPhone Xr, has more to offer than its predecessors, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for you. If you would prefer a smaller iPhone and you love the classic design and TouchID, then the iPhone 8 is going to be a great buy that could still last you for years. The iPhone 7 also still has a lot of life left and could serve you well if you want to save some cash. Although we mourn the passing of the headphone port, the iPhone 6s has had its day and we wouldn’t recommend buying one, though if you do have one, you could probably just about squeeze another year out of it.

If you’re buying now, we think the iPhone Xr justifies the extra expense and offers many of the same features you’ll find in Apple’s much more expensive flagships.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone Xs vs. iPhone X: What difference does a year make?
• Huawei P20 Pro vs. Apple iPhone X: A battle of flagship smartphones
• iPhone XR hands-on review
• Mophie vs. Belkin vs. Anker vs. iOttie: Finding the best wireless charging pad for iPhones
• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more

Here’s how and where to buy the Apple Watch Series 4

The Apple Watch Series 4 is officially here, and it comes packed with not only a larger display, but a bunch of additional health features, including a built-in electric heart-sensor. It also comes in two different case sizes: A 40mm model and 44mm model.

Aside from the Apple store, the company’s next-generation smartwatch will be available in other locations as well. While pre-orders aren’t live quite yet, customers will soon be able to purchase it from carriers, brick-and-mortar stores, and online retailers.

Here’s where to buy the Apple Watch Series 4.

The Apple Store

The Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for pre-order in the U.S. through Apple’s site and the Apple Store app starting Friday, September 14, with in-store availability starting on Friday, September 21 (also the same day pre-orders will ship). For those not in the U.S., global availability on the Series 4 varies — but Apple has listed the countries on its website.

The smartwatch comes in two different types of models. You can either opt for the one with cellular connectivity built-in along with GPS, or you can choose to go with only GPS. Regardless, both smartwatches come with the new health features.

In terms of color variants, the Series 4 comes in three aluminum finishes — gold, space grey, and silver. There’s also a gold stainless steel option, in addition to the silver and space black stainless steel versions.

As for pricing, the Series 4 with cellular connectivity starts at $499. If you opt for the Series 4 without cellular connectivity and just built-in GPS, it starts at $399. It’s important to note that cost not only varies depending on whether you choose to have network connectivity, but also depending on which color variant and case size you purchase.

Buying the Apple Watch Series 4 from wireless carriers

Those who want the Series 4 with cellular connectivity can also purchase the smartwatch through their specific carriers. Not all carriers have announced pricing and availability yet, but we’ll continue to update this article as more information rolls in.

T-Mobile

The first, and only carrier so far, to announce availability for the Series 4 is T-Mobile. Customers can pre-order the smartwatch starting Friday, September 14, at 12:01 a.m. PT. Pricing has not been finalized yet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple Watch Series 4: Everything you need to know
• Apple’s September 12 Event: Everything Apple announced
• Apple Watch Series 4 vs. Series 3: Which should you get?
• The best Apple Watch deals for September 2018
• The Fitbit Versa: everything you need to know

The best iPhone Xs cases

Apple’s iPhone Xs is a stunning phone with a gorgeous OLED screen and a glass and metal build that’s seriously classy. While the look was no doubt partly what attracted you in the first place, leaving it uncovered could be risky. Glass can crack, or scratch, the metal frame is prone to scuffs, and repairs are expensive.

You may also want to stamp your own personality on your new iPhone or add some extra utility. Whatever you’re after, you can find something here to tempt you as we run through some of the best iPhone Xs cases.

Casetify Impact Case ($50)

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Simon Hill/Digital Trends

Simon Hill/Digital Trends

There’s no need for a compromise between style and protection if you opt for the Impact case from Casetify. This lightweight case is slim but boasts a special layer of a material called qiTech around the frame which absorbs fall impact giving you drop protection up to 6.6 feet. The shell is glossy and transparent, but it comes with a wide variety of different decorative finishes and you can even custom design your own look by uploading an image. The shock absorbing inner layer around the frame comes in black, white, or pink. All the button covers and openings you need are there and the camera cutout is black to prevent any flash reflection.

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Casetify

Case-Mate Street Smart Case ($35 to $50)

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Simon Hill/Digital Trends

Simon Hill/Digital Trends

No one else does shiny, pretty iPhone cases quite as well as Case-Mate and the Street Smart collection has everything from translucent iridescence to a gold glitter waterfall to mother of pearl. There are also purple flowers, dot patterns, and even a matte black option. Just because these cases have some sparkle doesn’t mean they scrimp in the drop-protection department — the cushioned corners will guard your iPhone XS against falls of up to 10 feet. The metallic button covers add an extra flourish and every case comes with a lifetime warranty.

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Case-Mate Amazon

Incipio Stashback Case ($35)

With an all-new sliding design, Incipio’s Stashback series is even more tempting for iPhone XS owners. The idea is to give you some space to hide away your credit cards and ID, so you don’t need to take a wallet or purse out with you all the time. The cleverly concealed storage has room for up to three cards or maybe a card and some cash. It has generous openings for easy access to the port, switch, and camera, button covers, and a subtle line design in a black or navy finish.

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Incipio

Totallee Thin Case ($25)

If you’re a minimalist and you can’t stand chunky cases, then these super slim offerings from Totallee might suit you perfectly. They’re very light and just 0.02 inches thick and they have closely tuned cutouts that offer easy access to everything. These cases are not going to provide much in the way of drop protection, but they should ward off scratches and minor bumps. You have a wide choice of finishes from matte black, grey, or navy blue to frosted clear or frosted black, to glossy clear, black, or white.

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Totallee

Nomad Rugged Leather Case ($45)

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If you’re after luxurious leather to bring an understated touch of style to your iPhone XS, then you owe it to yourself to check out Nomad’s wares. These rugged cases have been slimmed down compared to past versions, but they still offer solid drop protection. The Horween leather finish comes in black and brown, feels great in hand, and develops more character as it ages. Nomad also does folio-style cases, but the leather shell is our top pick.

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Nomad

Mous Limitless 2.0 Case ($50)

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You’ll enjoy sound protection from this Mous case with a system of air pockets and a mix of polycarbonate and TPU ensuring that you have strong drop protection. The basic shell is very sturdy with chunky button covers, accurate openings, and a protective lip for the screen. The real attraction, though, is the range of back panel finishes which include carbon fiber, wood, leather, and real shell. They’re eye-catching and highly protective, which is a great combo in a case.

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Mous

Speck Presidio V-Grip Case ($40 to $45)

We usually recommend the Presidio Grip from Speck, but the veteran case manufacturer has turned out a new line this year and the V-Grip caught our eye. With a specially ridged bumper, this case won’t slip off tales or out of your hand easily and if it does there’s solid drop protection for falls of up to 10 feet. There is also a raised lip around the screen and chunky button covers to protect your iPhone Xs from every angle. The back is clear to show off that Apple design, but there is a sparkly tint to the gold version.

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Speck

RhinoShield Mod NX Case ($32 plus)

You can pick from a variety of different case designs at Rhinoshield, but the best for customization is the Mod NX system. You get the classic bumper that made Rhinoshield famous, with impressive drop protection that’s good up to 11 feet, but it comes in a wide variety of different colors which you can mix and match different colors of the rim ($5) and buttons ($3) with. You can just go with the bumper if you like, or you can add in a backplate that’s transparent, one with a marble effect, or choose from more than 100 designs.

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Rhinoshield

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case ($30)

These stylish leather wallet cases are made from full grain cowhide nubuck leather and finished in a wide range of colors. Open the cover and you’ll find three slots for cards as well as a larger compartment for cash. It also bends back to act as a stand for propping your phone in landscape view. There is a simple plastic shell to hold your iPhone XS securely in place. The cover also has a handy magnetic clasp and the distinctive snake logo on the front.

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Snakehive

Moshi StealthCover Case ($40)

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If you fancy a folio-style case with a front cover, but you don’t want to have to open it to see the screen all the time, then this case from Moshi has you covered. The front cover is translucent allowing you to see who is calling or check incoming messages without opening it. You can also use FaceID with the cover closed and there is a magnetic closure to keep it from popping open uninvited. The shell itself should guard against minor drops and bumps and your iPhone Xs is covered from every angle. This one comes in champagne pink or gunmetal grey.

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Moshi

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best iPhone 7 Plus cases
• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• The best protective iPhone cases
• The best iPhone 8 cases and covers
• Keep that flagship phone safe with the best iPhone X cases and covers

iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and iPhone Xr: 5 things we love, 5 things we hate

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Apple released its latest trio of smartphones, the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr. And like every year, Apple did not fail to disappoint. While there absolutely awesome phones, that doesn’t mean we have zero complaints.

Here are five things we love, and five things we hate about the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr.

Love

Tons of color options

In terms of color options alone, Apple tends to be a little conservative when it comes to iPhones. Sure, the iPhone 5c came in exciting colors, but that seemed to be a one-off event, with Apple returning to its more subdued line up the following year.

In 2018, however, it looks like Apple is ready to dip its toe back into the deep end. It released the new iPhone Xr in six exciting colors. You’ll find the iPhone Xr in black, white, yellow, coral, and blue. Oh, and we can’t forget about the red edition that’s being released at launch for the first time ever this year.

The iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max will continue to come in more traditional colors. This year you’ll find them in space grey, silver, as well as a new gold model.

Extra battery life

If you’re seeking a little extra juice, you may want to check out the 2018 iPhones. Apple has made hardware and software improvements to all three phones that will ensure you have plenty of battery life.

While the extra 30 minutes of power Apple claims you get on the iPhone Xs isn’t that exciting, it’s definitely better than nothing. The real magic, however, is on the iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr: Both phones will reportedly give you an extra hour and a half of power.

So much storage

Ready to store tons of photos or music? This year, Apple went all in on its storage options for all of its new iPhones. Both the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max are available with three different storage capacities: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

The iPhone Xr comes in three options as well: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB. While you will likely have plenty of storage with nearly any of these phones, you may want to buy one with a higher capacity since none of the phones have external storage slots.

Dual SIM support

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While Dual SIM support may not be exciting for most of us in the U.S., lots of iPhone users around the world are rejoicing. The iPhone Xs and Xs Max will be the first Apple handsets to support dual SIM technology.

Instead of just creating a hybrid SIM slot, Apple is following the Google Pixel 2’s lead. The iPhone Xs and Xs Max will have one traditional SIM along with one eSIM.

Most major U.S. carriers (with the exception of Sprint) will support the iPhone Xs and Xs Max built-in eSIM at launch, so you’ll be able to easily activate service. That leaves the SIM slot open for international travel or if you’re in an area that doesn’t receive good service from your primary carrier.

Split view on iPhone Xs Max

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The iPhone Xs Max is the biggest that Apple has ever created and one of the biggest on the market. That means there is lots of extra screen real estate to work with.

Fortunately, Apple is putting that extra real estate to use. Once reserved for iPads, the iPhone Xs Max will be the first iPhone to support a split view. That means we will finally be able to have two apps open side by side: A feature that’s been available on most Android smartphones for years.

Hate

No more headphone dongle

First, it was the headphone jack, and now it’s the dongle. The 2018 iPhone lineup (and iPhone 8 for that matter) will no longer include a headphone dongle in the box.

If you want to listen to music or movies on your phone, you’re left with two options. You can either embrace Bluetooth headphones, or pay Apple $9 for the dinky little dongle that used to come in the box gratis.

That camera bump

Let’s talk about the new iPhones. From the front they look sleek and gorgeous, but if you turn the phone over things quickly change. Yes, we’re talking about that ugly camera bump.

While Apple continues to update and refine its hardware, it just seems to ignore that ugly little bump that makes its phones wobble. Luckily, you’ll likely have a case that will balance things out for you.

The top notch is here to stay

Sure, it’s been a year since Apple brought the top notch to the mainstream, but that doesn’t mean we’ve grown to love it. Quite the opposite, actually, since we’ve seen other smartphone manufacturers find creative ways to minimize or eliminate the notch altogether.

The 5W adapter

Seriously, Apple? It’s 2018 and you’re still including a chintzy 5W charger with your iPhones, even though the entire lineup is capable of fast charging. While there were plenty of rumors that an 18W charger would come standard with the 2018 iPhones, we now know that is not the case.

iPhone Xs Max Price

When Apple announced the iPhone X last year, it was one of the first smartphones on the market that managed to surpass the $1,000 threshold. The year, Apple’s pushing the envelope a little further with the iPhone Xs Max.

The iPhone Xs Max comes in at a staggering $1,100: That’s slightly less than the least expensive MacBook Pro. However, iPhones get long-term software support, so it’s not necessary to switch phones every year.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• Here’s how to buy the brand-new Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr
• Apple iPhone Xs vs. iPhone X: What difference does a year make?
• Apple iPhone Xr vs. iPhone 8 vs. iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 6s: Which is best for you?
• Everything you need to know about the Apple iPhone XR

You can’t buy the iPhone SE anymore, but Apple has cut prices for these iPhones

Apple has finally taken the wraps off of the next generation of iPhones, called the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR, ushering in a new generation of iPhone and immediately outdating older devices, including the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and other previous models.

But not everyone needs the latest and greatest model. Not everyone is a power-user, and not everyone needs all of the new features on offer in new devices. So if that’s you, the release of new iPhone models is still good news — it means that older iPhones will be discounted.

There are a few iPhone models that Apple has discontinued with the release of the iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and Xr. For starters, last year’s iPhone X is no longer available from Apple. The iPhone SE has also been discontinued. Still, Apple is offering a few older iPhone models, and they come at a pretty sweet price.

iPhone 8

For starters, Apple is still offering the iPhone 8 — and it’s offering the phone at quite a discount. The iPhone 8 with 64GB now comes at $600, while the 256GB version of the device comes at $750. The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, starts at $700 for the 64GB model, while the 256GB model is available for $850.

All this represents a relatively substantial discount from Apple. At launch, the iPhone 8 came at $700, so the devices have been discounted by $100. All of the iPhone 8 models are available directly from the Apple website.

iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 is even more sharply discounted from its original list price from when it was released two years ago. The phone is available in two storage options and two sizes. The standard iPhone 7 starts at $450 for the 32GB model, while the 128GB model is $100 more at $550. The iPhone 7 Plus is $120 more expensive than the standard iPhone 7 — so the iPhone 7 Plus 32GB model comes at $670, while the 128GB model comes at $770.

Given that the standard iPhone 7 was listed at $650 when it launched, the move represents a $200 discount. Like the iPhone 8, the iPhone 7 is available discounted from Apple’s website.

Of course, if you want an even greater mark-down, you can check out Apple’s refurbished online store. Apple is very good at ensuring that its refurbished products are still high quality and work perfectly well. At the time of this writing, only the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were available on the refurbished store, though that may change.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Everything you need to know about the Apple iPhone XR
• Apple iPhone Xr vs. iPhone 8 vs. iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 6s: Which is best for you?
• Here’s how to buy the brand-new Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr
• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• Buy a professionally refurbished iPhone 6 and save $100