Here are hands-on photos of Apple’s new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR

iPhone Xs and Xs Max

Apple has taken the wraps off its next-generation iPhones and they come in the form of the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr. While they all have very similar titles, each iPhone brings along its own set of features, aesthetic, and price point.

We were on the ground at Apple’s hardware event in Cupertino, California, where we got to see the highly anticipated iPhones in person. Below, are some hands-on photos to give you an up-close look of each device.

iPhone Xs and Xs Max

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The iPhone Xs is the successor to last year’s iPhone X. It comes complete with a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch, Super Retina OLED display and a notch at the top. Meanwhile, with the iPhone Xs Max, Apple did things a little differently this time with the iPhone Xs Max. Rather than releasing a ‘Plus’ size version as it normally would, the company went even bigger — with a 6.5-inch Retina OLED display instead of the usual 5.5-inch as seen on the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus.

Both models come in a variety of colors — gold, space grey, and silver. The Xs and Xs Max are also made of glass, but has a higher durability rating and has an IP68 rating for water-resistance.

Physical size aside, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max also have most of their specs in common. On the back, you will find two new cameras — one 12-megapixel, wide-angle sensor with an f/1,8 aperture and a second telephoto lens with 12 megapixels, optical image stabilization, 2x optical zoom, and an f/2.2 aperture. With a TrueDepth camera system, you can also take advantage of features like Face ID and animojis.

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iPhone Xs Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Max Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Max Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Under the hood is Apple’s next-generation A-series processor, the A12 Bionic trip. Apple says it works 15 percent faster and has 40 percent lower power consumption in comparison to the previous generation. While Apple hasn’t announced the size of the batteries, the iPhone Xs has 30 minutes more time on the iPhone Xs in comparison to the iPhone X while the Xs Max has 90 more minutes.

For more in-depth information on the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, check out our news post here.

iPhone XR

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With the iPhone Xs and Xs Max priced both priced at over $1,000, Apple also released what it considers a “budget-friendly” iPhone X alternative called the iPhone XR — for $749. In terms of design, the iPhone has a 6.1-inch LCD display (bigger than the iPhone Xs) that Apple calls a Liquid Display. As with the entire iPhone X lineup, the XR also includes a notch at the top. On the back, you will find a single-lens camera that comes in at 12 megapixels with an aperture of f/1.8 and support for Portrait Mode via machine learning. As with the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max, the XR also has a TrueDepth camera system.

The XR comes with the same A12 Bionic processor, and comes in 64GB, 128Gb, and 256Gb storage options. The battery for this iPhone has yet to be disclosed, but Apple says it lasts an hour and a half more than the iPhone 8 Plus.

Perhaps the most interesting part about the iPhone XR are the color variants it comes in. Apple is taking it back to those iPhone 5C days by offering the XR in some fun, vibrant colors. Aside from white or black, customers will get to choose from blue, coral, red, and yellow.

You can learn more about the iPhone XR here.

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?
• 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?

Samsung Galaxy S9 vs. iPhone XS: Which should you buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe Android phones, and we happen to know a lot about iOS, too. It’s our mission to set you up with the right phone for you.

Galaxy S9

Android superphone

$620 at Amazon

Pros

• Significantly cheaper than the iPhone XS
• Excellent dual aperture camera
• Multiple authentication methods

Cons

• Mediocre battery life
• Bixby Button still isn’t very useful

The Galaxy S9 is one of the most full-featured Android phones on the market, with powerful specs and a gorgeous AMOLED display. Its dual aperture camera excels in low light, and perhaps best of all, there’s no notch occupying part of the display.

iPhone XS

Big screen, small phone

$1000 at Apple

Pros

• Incredibly powerful A12 Bionic chip
• 120Hz touch sensing display
• Improved FaceID

Cons

• Siri is still behind Google Assistant
• No fingerprint sensor

The iPhone XS is Apple’s most powerful phone yet, with the remarkably powerful A12 Bionic chip. It has a great 5.8-inch display in a compact body, and excellent stereo speakers. FaceID replaces a fingerprint sensor, and the cameras have gained some powerful new features.

Software preferences aside, the Galaxy S9 and iPhone XS are actually pretty similar phones. Both have glass and metal industrial designs with high screen-to-body ratios, along with IP68 resistance, wireless charging, stereo speakers, and so on. The biggest difference is price — the S9 has fallen below $650, while the iPhone XS sits at a hard to swallow $1000 starting price.

What are the differences?

A large deciding factor in which phone you should buy is, of course, the operating system behind it. By now, you probably know where you stand on Android versus iOS (and if you’re here at Android Central, we’ve got a good idea at which one you prefer). Both have their various pros and cons, but in short, Samsung’s software on top of Android offers an extremely customizable but arguably cluttered experience, whereas iOS 12 is simple to use but lacking in custom options.

It’s hard to find any major flaws with either phone’s hardware. Both have very similar 5.8-inch AMOLED displays, but many will prefer the Galaxy S9’s notch-less approach. Hidden within that notch are Apple’s newly improved Face ID sensors, which are more secure than Samsung’s facial recognition, though the S9 offers more ways to unlock your phone, retaining the “legacy” fingerprint sensor and throwing in an iris scanner.

One big difference between the two phones is the cameras. The iPhone XS features dual cameras, while the Galaxy S9 has a single camera with dual apertures. Apple made a big deal during the iPhone XS announcement over some of the improved camera features, including adjustable aperture in post and stereo audio during video capture, but the S9’s camera is no slouch either, with a wide range of manual controls and post-processing effects of its own.

Unless you really prefer iOS over Android, there’s not much reason to spend nearly $400 more on the iPhone XS.

Then there’s storage. The iPhone XS reaches all the way up to 512GB of storage, doubling the Galaxy S9’s maximum capacity, but that kind of storage doesn’t come cheap. Even at the matching 64GB base options, there’s nearly a $400 difference in price, leaning in the S9’s favor. What’s more, you can simply upgrade the storage in the Galaxy S9 with a microSD card — once you buy an iPhone XS, you’re locked into the storage option you chose without room for expansion.

The wide price gap will be more than enough to push a considerable amount of consumers towards the Galaxy S9, and with good reason. You’re getting a very similar experience in terms of performance, cameras, and physical dimensions at a much cheaper price — but if you’re already tied into the Apple ecosystem with other products like a Mac or iPad, or you simply prefer iOS over Android, the iPhone XS is certainly a compelling option.

Galaxy S9

Android superphone

$620 at Amazon

The does-it-all Android phone that fits in one hand and won’t run you $1000.

Samsung’s compact flagship has it all — a gorgeous design, an incredible curved display, powerful specs, and a great camera. As an added bonus, you get it all for under $650.

iPhone XS

Big screen, small phone

The four-digit iPhone with the most powerful mobile processor and Face ID.

$1000 at Apple

If you can stomach paying $1000 for a phone, the iPhone XS makes it worth your while with the A12 Bionic chip, improved cameras, and tremendous app support.

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Google Pixel 2 XL vs. iPhone XS Max: Which Should You Buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe Android phones, and we happen to know a lot about iOS, too. It’s our mission to set you up with the right phone.

Pixel 2 XL

Google’s finest

$849 at Google

Pros

• Stunning camera
• Front-facing speakers
• Best way to experience Android

Cons

• AMOLED Display has problems
• No wireless charging

If you want the best experience Google can offer, this is it. The camera is exceptional, especially in low light, and the speakers on this phone are incredible. And, of course, Google’s software updates arrive here before anywhere anywhere else.

iPhone XS Max

Bezel-free hugeness

$1100 at Apple

Pros

• Fantastic, huge display
• Wireless charging
• Face unlock is pretty great

Cons

• No fingerprint sensor
• No USB-C port

Apple took the impressive iPhone X and made it huge. The display is best in class, the speakers are surprisingly loud, and there’s nothing else quite like Apple’s face unlock system. This design isn’t without trade-offs, but overall this is an excellent phone.

Though it may be a bit obvious, the Pixel 2 XL is meant to be the very best Android experience around, while the iPhone XS Max is as premium as an iPhone has ever been. Each phone stands strong with clean software and incredible performance, but your needs may justify one over the other.

When worlds collide

There are tons of great Android phones these days, but the Pixel represents Google’s own vision of what the platform should be. Its clean and simple interface is home to a bevy of smart features, including the ever-powerful Google Assistant. In addition, thanks to Google’s machine learning, the Pixel 2 XL remains one of the very best pocket cameras around, despite having a single rear-facing lens.

Then there’s the iPhone XS Max. With an enormous 6.5-inch display, it’s the largest iPhone ever made, and the True Tone Super Retina display is far better than the Pixel 2 XL’s problematic pOLED panel — though some people still won’t be a fan of the iPhone’s infamous notch. It also boasts Apple’s extremely powerful A12 Bionic chip which, on top of assuring smooth performance, augments AR and camera capabilities.

There’s a trade-off at every turn with these phones; the iPhone XS Max relies on Face ID rather than a more traditional fingerprint sensor like the Pixel 2 XL, the latter of which many still prefer, but the Pixel lacks the iPhone’s handy wireless charging. That’s more important than people tend to think, especially on a water resistant phone — should you submerge your phone, wireless charging is the only way to top it off while you wait for the port to dry.

Each phone offers the very best experience its respective platform can offer.

The iPhone XS Max features a makeshift stereo speaker setup, combining the earpiece speaker with the bottom speaker grill, but the Pixel 2 XL offers a more genuine stereo effect with dual front-firing speakers. Neither phone features microSD expandability or a 3.5mm headphone jack, but each can at least achieve wired audio through an adapter — just keep in mind that Apple is no longer including a Lightning to auxiliary adapter in the box with its phones.

That lack of microSD expandability plays a pretty significant role in determining which phone to buy, since both start at 64GB with a $250 difference in price. The Pixel 2 XL maxes out at 128GB of storage for $949, while the iPhone XS Max reaches all the way up to 512GB — assuming you have $1449 to spare. Both Google and Apple offer financing options to ease the initial blow, but even so, these aren’t insignificant numbers by any means.

Whether or not the iPhone XS Max is worth that much more than the Pixel 2 XL comes almost entirely down to your preference in platforms, along with your storage needs. Both phones have incredible cameras, smooth performance, and huge screens, and each serves as its respective manufacturer’s poster child for what a phone can and should be. If you don’t have any particular software preferences, though, you won’t be missing out on much by saving a few hundred dollars and buying the Pixel 2 XL.

Pixel 2 XL

Google’s finest

$849 at Google

The very best Android experience Google has to offer.

Though it’s soon to be replaced by its sequel, the Pixel 2 XL is the culmination of all of Google’s software tricks and machine learning.

iPhone XS Max

Bezel-free hugeness

The biggest, most powerful, and most expensive iPhone ever.

$1100 at Apple

The iPhone XS Max improves on everything that already made the iPhone X great, and upscales to a whopping 6.5-inch display.

iPhone XS and XS Max Feature Upgraded IP68 Water and Dust Resistance

One of the new features included in Apple’s high-end OLED iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max is improved water and dust resistance, with the two devices now offering an IP68 rating, equivalent to Samsung’s Galaxy S9 smartphones.

The IP68 rating means the iPhone XS and XS Max can withstand water up to two meters (6.6 feet) deep for approximately 30 minutes. In this number, the IP6x rating refers to dust resistance while the 8 represents water resistance.

IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, so the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are fully protected from dust and dirt. The new IP68 rating is up from the IP67 rating of previous iPhones.

Apple’s iPhone XR is also water and dust resistant, but it is IP67 rated rather than IP68 rated, like the iPhone X. IP67 means that the iPhone XR can withstand immersion in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes.

Apple does not cover any kind of water damage to its iOS devices, so it’s always best to use caution when exposing a water resistant iPhone to liquids.

Apple also warns that seals against water resistance can weaken over time, which is another reason why it’s best not to deliberately expose iPhones to moisture. In general, though, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will hold up to accidental splashes of water and rain.

The Apple Watch Series 4, also newly announced, continues to feature the same water resistance rating as the Apple Watch Series 3. It has a water resistance of rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.

That means the Apple Watch Series 4 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.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTag: September 2018 event
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iPhone XR Hands-On: Vibrant Colors, Solid Camera/Display, and Cheaper Price Should Entice Many Users

In addition to hands-on time with the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, members of the media today got the chance to see the new LCD iPhone XR up close. This is Apple’s cheaper alternative to the higher-tier XS models, with the XR starting at $749 in 64GB and rising from there.

In person, The Verge said that the six new colors of the iPhone XR are all very vibrant, and the site particularly liked Coral and (PRODUCT)Red. Additionally, The Verge described the iPhone XR as noticeably lighter in comparison to the XS, and ultimately said that the XR will likely become the “default” iPhone for many users this holiday season.

I just spent a few moments playing with the new iPhone XR, which feels like it will be the default iPhone for many people this season. Not only does it have a very similar design to the more expensive iPhone XS model, it has many of the same features for a considerably lower price.

The iPhone XR comes in six different colors, including very nice-looking coral and blue options. The colors are extremely vibrant in person; the coral and red, in particular, are terrific. (They’re honestly a reason to get the XR over the XS if you don’t care about the other features like dual cameras and 3D Touch.)

In terms of downgrades from the iPhone XS to make the XR cheaper, Apple went for an LCD display instead of OLED, chose a single-lens rear facing camera instead of the dual lens on the XS, and removed 3D Touch. TechCrunch, like many outlets, said that if you don’t miss these features then it’s easy to see why the XR will be enticing, particularly if you want more color options.

Other than those differences, the iPhone XR has an A12 Bionic chip, a TrueDepth camera system, and Face ID — just like the iPhone XS.

For most users, I suspect most of these elements won’t really be missed — unless, of course, you’ve already gotten comfortable with the iPhone X. While $749 is hardly “cheap” by the standards of mid-range handsets in 2018, it’s a pretty good entry-level price for an Apple handset. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of colors choices in the phone-buying process.

The XR feels like less of an afterthought, unlike the iPhone 8, which was hugely overshadowed by the iPhone X released alongside it. It looks and feels enough like the premium handset that, when coupled with the $250 price drop, it seems inevitable that Apple will sell a ton of the damn things.

Mashable reported that the rear camera on the iPhone XR is still impressive, despite the fact that it’s not a true Portrait Mode effect like those produced by the dual cameras on iPhone XS or XS Max.

Noticeably impressive is the camera. It’s got just a single rear camera (there’s no 2x telephoto lens), but it’s still stunning. The Steve Jobs Theater hands-on area was relatively well-lit, so it’s hard to say how well the camera performs IRL, but that adjustable bokeh effect for portrait photos looks sick. Not so great: the even larger camera bump. The thing is massive.

A couple of minutes is obviously not enough time to get to know the iPhone XR, but at first blush, it looks like a winner. The colors will suck you right in. I’d totally buy the yellow one.

The iPhone XR will go up for pre-order this Friday, October 19, ahead of a launch one week later on October 26.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTag: September 2018 event
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Apple Watch Series 4 Hands-On: Larger Displays, New Finishes, Slightly Thinner, ECG, and More

Following the introduction of Apple Watch Series 4 models at Steve Jobs Theater today, MacRumors and other media outlets were provided with some up-and-close hands-on time with the new lineup.

At first glance, the most obvious difference with Series 4 models is their larger displays, as Apple has significantly reduced the size of the bezels around the screen. The bezels now look similar to those on the iPhone X and newer, although the display is not completely edge to edge.

Apple says the larger displays provide 32 percent and 35 percent more viewing area on the new 40mm and 44mm models respectively, compared to the previous 38mm and 42mm models in previous generations.

Taking advantage of the larger displays, Apple has redesigned the entire watchOS interface to provide more information with richer detail. A new Infograph watch face can accommodate up to eight complications.

Series 4 models are also ever slightly thinner than Series 3 models, measuring in at 10.7mm, compared to 11.4mm. Apple didn’t allow me to test my Series 3 band with a Series 4 model, but it did confirm that both new and existing bands are compatible with all Apple Watch generations.

Apple Watch Series 4 has a new electrical heart sensor on the back side for electrocardiography, often shortened to ECG or EKG. This potentially life-saving functionality can indicate whether your heart rhythm shows signs of atrial fibrillation, a serious form of irregular heart rhythm.

Series 4 introduces some finishes, including gold stainless steel casing and a gold Milanese Loop. The back side on all the new models is now crafted from sapphire crystal and ceramic, whereas some Series 3 models had composite backs.

On the side of Series 4 models, the Digital Crown features a thin circle, which is black on GPS configurations and red on LTE configurations. By comparison, nearly the entire Digital Crown is red on Series 3 models with LTE. In my opinion, the new, subdued look of the crown is more aesthetically pleasing.

Overall, the Series 4 models do not represent a full-out redesign of the Apple Watch, but the larger displays and improved health monitoring tools are much welcomed features that are worth considering upgrading for.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4, watchOS 5Tag: September 2018 eventBuyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
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Apple Shares New Pricing for Battery Replacements Starting January 1, 2019

Since the end of 2017, Apple has been offering battery replacements for a discounted price of $29 to appease customers who were upset at device throttling resulting from degraded battery performance.

When announcing the new inexpensive battery replacement pricing, Apple promised to offer the discounted price for the entirety of 2018.

Now that we’re nearing the end of the year, Apple has provided us with an updated support document on what battery replacements will be priced at after the price drop expires.

Starting on January 1, 2019, battery replacements for the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus will be priced at $49, up from $29.

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR battery replacements will cost $69, as will iPhone X battery replacements, and batteries for all older iPhones will cost $79.

At $49 and $69 for most devices, Apple is dropping the price of its battery repairs overall. Before the entire throttling snafu that resulted in the price drop, battery replacements cost $79.

Devices that are under an AppleCare+ or AppleCare+ Theft and Loss plan will not incur a fee if a battery replacement is required.

Customers with older iPhones that want to take advantage of the $29 battery replacement pricing should schedule a replacement before the end of 2018 before prices go up.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTags: iPhone Slowdown, September 2018 event
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Upcoming HomePod Software to Add Call Support, Multiple Timers, Find My iPhone, Lyric Search and More

At today’s “Gather Round” event at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted some new features that are coming to the HomePod through a software update set to be released next Monday.

The HomePod will gain a number of new features with the software update, which is going to come alongside iOS 12, tvOS 12, and watchOS 5.

• Search for your favorite songs by lyrics using Siri
• Create multiple timers
• Make and receive phone calls right from the HomePod
• Ping your iPhone or any of your Apple devices to find them in your home

HomePod is also going to work with Siri Shortcuts, a feature coming in iOS 12. According to Cook, Siri Shortcuts will “open up a world of apps” for HomePod.

Many of these new features are additions that HomePod users have been hoping for. The HomePod has been the butt of jokes for not being able to support more than one timer at once, and while it could be used as a speakerphone previously, the new phone call functionality will expand its usefulness as a standalone communication device.

All of Apple’s fall software updates are set to be released on Monday, September 17, with the exception of macOS Mojave, which will see a release on September 24.

Related Roundup: HomePodBuyer’s Guide: HomePod (Buy Now)
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New 2018 iPhones Support Background NFC Tag Reading, No App Required

As outlined on Apple’s developer site, the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models allow users to scan NFC tags without an app using a new background tag reading feature.

On iPhones that support background tag reading, the system scans for and reads NFC data without requiring users to scan tags using an app. The system displays a pop-up notification each time it reads a new tag. After the user taps the notification, the system delivers the tag data to the appropriate app. If the iPhone is locked, the system prompts the user to unlock the phone before providing the tag data to the app.

Background tag reading is designed to work only when a user’s iPhone is in use in order to avoid unintentional tag reading. It also will not work if a device has not been unlocked, a core NFC reader is in session, Apple Pay Wallet is in use, the camera is in use, or Airplane mode is enabled.

The new background tagging function will allow an iPhone user to scan any NFC tag at a museum, store, or other location without first having to open up an app. Scanning an NFC tag will present a notification on the display, which can be tapped to launch an app.

Launching an app using this method requires a tap from the user, so it will not allow NFC-based methods to automatically launch apps sans user permission.

According to Apple, background NFC tag reading is a feature that’s limited to the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. It is not supported on iPhone X and earlier models.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTag: September 2018 event
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