This is it, the new iPhone lineup for 2018. Earlier today Apple introduced the brand new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max, basically the follow up to the iPhone X from last year. This year is a typical ‘S’ year cycle: minor improvements to the camera, screen and performance. That’s not to say the performance gains of the new A12 Bionic chip are minor, just compared to the update from last year this does seem to be a normal S year cycle for updates.

Let’s cut to the chase

  • What’s new? iPhone XS Max is an all new model, much larger with a 6.5-inch display and as a result a much bigger battery. Smaller models benefit from improved Super Retina Display, larger aperture on the rear facing camera as well as brand new A12 Bionic chip, which among most things improves the speed of Face ID. New colour for iPhone Xs is Gold.
  • How much? iPhone XS starts at the same £999 / $999 as the iPhone X from last year. iPhone XS Max starts at £1,099 / $1,099.
  • When? Pre-orders start this Friday, 14th September and shipping dates start from 21st September.

So, what’s new?

Well compared side by side to the iPhone X from 2017, there isn’t loads to write home about. According to Apple CEO, Tim Cook the new iPhone XS is “most advanced phone we’ve ever created.”

One of the main differences between the iPhone X and iPhone XS is the improved water and dust resistance, iPhone X is rated to IP67, iPhone XS is now rated to IP68 and this means that the new models can be held underwater of deaths of up to 2 metres for half an hour. Apple has even tested the new iPhone with juice, tea and even beer to confirm the new standard.

Inside both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max is Apple’s next generation A12 Bionic chip, as usual it’s an in house all Apple chip design, with integrated CPU, GPU and the Neural Engine. The A12 chip now means the iPhone XS can be configured with up to 512GB internal storage, at a price mind.

Pricing and shipping

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are both available in the Silver and Space Grey colours from last year, but with a new Gold option being added.

Pre-orders for the iPhone XS start this Friday, the 14th September and shipments start from the 21st September.

iPhone XS comes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB sizes and prices start at £999 / $999. iPhone XS Max comes in the same sizes, but starts at £1099 / $1099.

Developing….