As we move through the Summer and look forward to Autumn, one thing that has iPhone fans excited is the expected release of the 2018 iPhone. This year we've been promised not one, but three new versions of Apple's iconic handset. Although no date has been released yet, September has become the month for iPhone news since the release of the iPhone 5 back in 2012. This year, the rumor mill is hot with anticipation about the release of the 2018 iPhone; or should I say iPhones as we are anticipating not one, but three new models. Read on to learn all about them!
iPhone 9
This model will be the upgrade to last year's iPhone 8. Apple is planning to give it a facelift, so it more closely resembles the iPhone X. It will have an LCD screen rather than the OLED version in the X it will have larger bezels around the screen. The iPhone 8 has
some great features and it seems as though the 9 will continue to build on that. Apple seems to be trying to update their basic handset version to more closely mimic the X. But iPhone 2018 leaks lead us to believe the LCD screen will bring it in at a much cheaper price point, somewhere around half the price of the new iPhone X. The bad news is, there have been some delays in the development of the LCD screen. Apple is currently anticipating shipping iPhone 9 models in October, a month later than the X2.
Best Seller
The update to the 8 isn't unexpected. Although Apple has been talking about how the X is the fastest selling handset of all time, the truth is that they did not experience the demand they anticipated for their new premium handset. The iPhone 8, however, sold extremely well. Apple will be hoping to lure more people to the 2018 version of the X, but if price proves to be a problem then the 9 is the next best option. For those of you who enjoyed your colorful, iPhone 5Cs, you'll be delighted to hear that the 9 is expected to come in a range of colors. Reports vary but you can expect Gold, Grey, White, Blue, and Orange. There may also be a version in red, to support
Apple's long-term fundraising partnership with the charity by the same name.
The 2018 iPhone X
There are to be two versions of the iPhone X, which is rumored to be called the iPhone X2. With a starting price of around $1000, the X maintains the high price point that was set by the original X. Originally thought to be called the iPhone 11, the X2 will be joined in an X Plus with a larger display size. The standard X2 will have a 5.8-inch display, whereas the Plus will be a 'phad' size (phone/pad hybrid) at 6.5 inches. This extra screen real estate will make the phone more usable for work, and for applications such as art packages which need more space. There was some talk about Apple planning an LCD version of the X, but this seems to have been confused with the 9. Both versions of the new X will use the OLED screens that the originals had.
Smaller X?
Another X rumor that proved unfounded was the creation of a smaller, SE style model. This was fuelled by the news that case maker, Olixar had made a prototype of a screen protector for a smaller iPhone screen with similar bezels and notch as those found on the X. Of course, it may be that Apple is planning to surprise us with this news at a later date. The iPhone latest update is also getting an updated camera. Although there was speculation that the X would have a triple-lens camera on the rear, which would improve performance in low-light settings, both X models will actually have a dual rear camera setup. The 2018 Xs won't be coming in the same range of colors as the 9. You can expect to find X2 and X2 Plus handsets in Gold, Grey, and Silver. You may also see the option to switch between SIM cards, though, a new function incorporated because users in China often have more than one SIM.
2018 Models
All three 2018 iPhone models will use the Intel chip, which may disappoint those looking for a speed boost in the new versions. Although they are all getting an upgraded CPU, the performance of Intel chips is slower than those used in Android models, made by Qualcomm. They will also now come with a USB-C charger. There will be backward compatibility via an adaptor supplied with the X that will allow it to connect to a firewire charger.
Facial Recognition
It's also thought that all three 2018 models will take advantage of facial recognition technology - however, this would come at the loss of the fingerprint sensor that made the touch facility possible. It's also thought that facial recognition will work in horizontal mode, thus making it more useful for iPad users. All of the new models will support wireless charging. However, Apple doesn't currently make an accessory that enables it. Case companies have received dummy versions of the new models, allowing them to start work on their new
range of cases.
Upgrading
While the sales of the iPhone x did not match with Apple's expectations, they seem to be hoping they can get a better response to the 2018 release. Still, industry insiders are expecting the lower-priced iPhone 9 to make up
as much as 55% of the sales of these new models. Apple can certainly rely on its fanbase to continue to want the newer, more shiny model. With the launch of iOs12, Apple will have some exciting announcements to make in September. From the information already released, it does seem that they are offering something for everyone and ensuring that they cross a range of budgets. What do you think about the 2018 iPhone? Will you be one of the early adopters, or are you planning to hold on to your current phone a little longer? Let us know in the comments below which features you are most looking forward to Apple discussing in September.
