Erin Seils|
We’ve been hearing rumours of a new iPhone for the past few months. However, if you were planning on buying Apple’s latest smartphone, you’ve now got a decision to make.
Apple announced 3 new phones at their “Special Event” in the “Steve Jobs Theater”:
iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus
Apple says:
“iPhone 8 introduces an all‑new glass design. The world’s most popular camera, now even better. The smartest, most powerful chip ever in an iPhone. Wireless charging that’s truly effortless. And augmented reality experiences never before possible. iPhone 8. A new generation of iPhone.“
iPhone X
Apple says:
“Our vision has always been to create an iPhone that is entirely screen. One so immersive the device itself disappears into the experience. And so intelligent it can respond to a tap, your voice, and even a glance. With iPhone X, that vision is now a reality. Say hello to the future.“
Design
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are very similar to recent iPhones in terms of design. However, both come with a glass back to allow for wireless charging.
If you’re a fan of the classic iPhone design, the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”) may not be for you. iPhone X comes 10 years after the release of the first iPhone and could give us an insight into the future of phones for the coming decade. With an edge-to-edge display covering the front of phone, only leaving two notches around the front camera, and the lack of a home button the iPhone X is certainly very different to the classic look of an Apple smartphone.
Rose Gold?
Back in 2015, Rose Gold made up around 40% of pre-orders for the iPhone 6S. The iPhone 7 was also available in the colour. Unfortunately, it seems that Apple has decided Rose Gold is “so last year” and provide only 3 options for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus:
Space Gray, Silver and Gold
For those mourning the loss of Rose Gold, thankfully, the “Gold” colour does seem to have a pink tinge to it.
As for the iPhone X, it only comes in Space Gray and Silver.
Headphone jack?
It seems as though the 3.5mm jack that was accepted as a must-have on devices for so long has been completely obliterated. Apple released the iPhone 7 last year minus the headphone jack that we took for granted for so long. For anyone who was holding on to hope that they may re-introduce it this year, sadly, I think we can assume it is truly gone forever. In a push towards a wireless future, Apple suggests using their Airpods or Beats Wireless Headphones. However, all three of the new iPhones come included with Earpods with a Lightning connector as well as a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter so can still use your favourite headphones.
Wireless Charging
Apple’s vision of a wireless future is becoming very clear, with a new wireless charging system announced to launch in 2018. AirPower allows you to charge several devices at once. All three new phones will be compatible with the device. Apple are currently selling Mophie and Belkin wireless chargers before AirPower launches.
Security
While Touch ID remains the easiest way of securing your phone for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X takes security to the next level.
Touch ID is replaced with Face ID on the iPhone X, meaning even less chance of anyone but you unlocking your phone, 1 in a million compared to 1 in 50 000 for Touch ID. Face ID still recognises you when you change your hairstyle, grow a beard or put on sunglasses. It even works in the dark.
Apple did admit to one flaw in their technology, warning that if you have an evil twin, it might be better to stick to using a passcode to secure your phone!
Some were also worried that thieves may steal their phone and gain access to their device by using their own face against them. However, Face ID can be quickly disabled by holding the side button in for a few seconds in an emergency.
Animoji
The same technology used for Face ID allows there to be a fun new way of using emojis to communicate through the iPhone X. Animoji lets you chose from a dozen different emojis to record videos with and send them to your friends. The emojis even change facial expressions and move their mouths just like you do.
Camera
All three new phones come with Portrait Mode (only iPhone X has this feature available in the front camera) which was first released with the iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X also come with Portrait Lighting (beta).
Portrait Lighting allows you to take photos like a professional by allowing you to change lighting in real time.
Price, Storage and Release Date
The new iPhones are only available in two storage capcities, 64 GB and 256 GB.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are avaliable to pre-order now and start shipping from September 22nd. The 64 GB model costs £699 while the 256 GB model costs £799.
The iPhone X is the most expensive iPhone ever, starting at £999 for the 64 GB version and £1149 for the 256 GB version. It is available for pre-order from October 27th and starts shipping from November 3rd. However, due to a lack of OLED screens, made by Samsung, the iPhone X is expected to run out of stock on launch day.
What phone should you get?
It’s up to you to decide if the state-of-the-art iPhone X is worth the wait and the price, if you’d rather go with the significantly cheaper iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus for an upgrade or if you’d prefer to simply update to iOS 11 on September 19th. Otherwise, it may be time to turn to Samsung for your next phone.
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