Its fall season again, or for the tech geeks, its iPhone season as Apple usually goes for its annual iPhone refreshment cycle during this time of the year. And the excitement is at its peak this time round what with reports claiming there is going to be three new iPhones launched this year – iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and a base iPhone model that is yet to have a name.
Also, in what should be least surprising, rumors and speculations are swirling around thick and fast which again is the usual trend. While it can be daunting going through all the rumors, here is a compilation of the most well known of those.
The return of the X naming convention: The naming is special given that the ‘S’ suffix, in Apple parlance, denotes a sort of an incremental upgrade over its predecessor rather than being anything revolutionary. Or in other words, the new iPhone XS can be expected to come with enhancements in the form of a more powerful processor, better camera and hopefully, a more powerful battery as well. However, the model will likely have the same external design features as the iPhone X.
iPhone XS Max and not Plus: Another interesting naming convention adopted with the current generation of iPhone is that the bigger model will be called iPhone XS Max and not XS Plus. Apple is expected to launch a 5.8- and 6.5-inch iPhone XS variant with the latter easily being the biggest iPhone model ever produced. Also, the iPhone XS Max can be expected to be much the same as its smaller sibling except for a bigger display and battery along with a few other niceties thrown in as well.
iPhone 9: There also is the 6.1-inch iPhone that is being pegged as the most affordable of the trio. And one way Apple is going to save costs here is by fitting it with an LCD panel instead of an OLED display that applies for the other two iPhone variants. However, the entry-level iPhone will still have the same external layout as its other brethren, which means a notch at the top and bezel-less display all around. The iPhone will also have Face ID along with most other features of the other two iPhone variants though the idea is to offer the iPhone experience over a wider price point. However, there remains some ambiguity as to whether the version is going to be named iPhone 9 or whatever.
Shipping estimate: There is some good news and bad news here. To start with the good aspect, the iPhone XS and XS Max are right on schedule, which means a market launch within September. However, the 6.1-inch iPhone will likely be launched 4-weeks later owing to some production issues that again has to do with LCD backlight leaking problems.
Gold color option: The recent leak of two iPhone devices – probably the 5.8- and 6.5-inch iPhone – done up in a shade of gold has rekindled hopes of the color finally arriving for the iPhone X version.
However, whether the golden touch would extend to the base iPhone version is something that remains to be seen.
Three rear cameras: This could be applicable to only the top-end 6.5-inch model to make it more exclusive from the rest. Such a camera will also help improve the rear zoom capability, besides allowing for even better pictures in low light conditions.
Apple Pencil support for the iPhone: Apple might be considering bringing its stylus for the iPhone XS line-up this year, or at least the 6.5-inch version given its expansive display. This will also help the company ward off competition from the Samsung Note series of devices. That said, this perhaps is the wildest rumors we have here, one that needs to be ingested with the proverbial pinch, or shell we say, a lump of salt.
New iPhone SE in the works: Even though the rumor mills have been pretty much consistent with their claims of Apple readying three iPhones this year, some believe there could be a fourth iPhone version thrown in as well, one that would be an upgrade over the iPhone SE. The iPhone SE has a unique positioning in that it offers almost the same features as the flagship but in a small form factor. Or it can also be considered a retro themed iPhone but with upgraded internals considering that Apple has stopped making iPhones with a 3.5 mm port and small display, both of which are present on the iPhone SE.
Apple issues recall for the iPhone 8
Meanwhile, in another development, Apple has said it is recalling a select batch of iPhone 8 device sowing to issues with the phones logic board. The recall applies to iPhone 8 devices sold between September 2017 and March 2018. The defective models have been sold in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, and the U.S. Apple has also released a serial number checker for users to find out if their iPhone needs a repair.
However, while Apple has said all repair work for defective devices will be done free of cost, it also stated this only applies to iPhone in perfect condition. So if the device is found to have other issues that is preventing Apple from completing the repair work, those issues will have to dealt with first and at owner’s expenses before Apple’s repair team gets into action.
