With days to go until the next iPhone launch on Sept. 12 it seems like we're still playing a naming guessing game and latest rumor has the an iPhone Max replacing the Plus. But the giant XS could play second fiddle this year to that rumored cheaper 6.1 inch LCD version of the iPhone X. Here's the latest iPhone news from the week to get you all caught up.
Will the Plus become a Max?
Apple's best kept secret about the 2018 iPhones name. Remember when this was the easiest thing to predict about the next iPhone cycle? Then last year Apple decides to mess up the sequence, gloss over the 7S and go straight to the iPhone 8 while also announcing an iPhone X to make it more confusing. Fast forward to this year and there seems to be a new name prediction every week.Last week's rumors seemed to have settled on the XS name for the two OLED sequels to the tenth anniversary iPhone with Apple getting rid of the Plus branding. Then this week both 9to5Mac and BGR, reported that the the larger 6.5 inch iPhone XS will be called the iPhone XS Max.
Both reports cited two anonymous sources for the iPhone XS Max scoop, but at this rate next week could bring something completely different like iPhone XL… Now that would be a good one!
FaceID could get a facelift
Regardless of the names, the new line of iPhones (at least the two OLED models) are rumored to be getting an updated version of FaceID. The feature which debuted on the iPhone X last year continues to be one of the most secure facial login options out there, but that doesn't mean there's not room for improvement.Among the potential improvements for this second generation FaceID, CNET Senior Editor, Scott Stein suggests support for multiple faces, faster unlock, closer range support and horizontal unlock.
The 6.1 inch iPhone to take center stage
But the best seller this cycle, may not have all the bells and whistles. The rumored cheaper 6.1 inch LCD version of the iPhone X is looking to lure the back the more budget conscious Apple fans that may not want to pay more for a larger screen.Size-wise, this iPhone would fall right in between the two OLED models, but it's rumored to have a starting price of about 600-700 US dollars compared to the 900 and 1,000 dollar price tags of the other two. To cut costs, the 6.1 inch model would have an LCD panel and aluminum frame (instead of stainless steel like the X) according to a Bloomberg report. It would also come in different color options, similar to what Apple did with the iPhone 5C line a few years back, but with the same glass back as the X instead of the plastic.
Other Apple news this week:
- IPHONE XS, NEW APPLE WATCH AND EVERYTHING ELSE WE'RE EXPECTING (VIDEO)
- Apple will soon require all App Store apps to have a privacy policy
- iPhone XS: Specs, Rumors, Features and Price
- iPhone XS & Apple Watch 4 In Motion!
- Comparing the 8 current iPhones: iPhone X vs. 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and SE
Last week's iPhone news: 2018 iPhone XS and Watch Series 4 leak before Sept. 12 eventSave the date for a Sept. 12 Apple event because we'll be meeting the new batch of iPhones. Apple sent out the invitations for its presser this week, and we've been playing the guessing game to figure out hidden clues in the invite. Then again, who needs clues when you have leaks? Here's a closer look at what you missed this week in iPhone news.New iPhone on the horizon for Sept. 12 event
Apple sent out official invitations for its launch event on Sept. 12 -- a date that many, including CNET, suspected for weeks. It's the exact date and place where the iPhone X was announced last year. It will take place at the Steve Jobs theater in Apple's new campus in Cupertino and the live stream starts at 10 a.m. online (CNET's live show will start an hour earlier at 9 a.m.).The all-black invite includes the phrase "Gather round" in gold font with a circular symbol at the top. At face value, the image could just be a birds-eye view of Apple Park, where the event is set to take place. But if we wanted to dissect the clues, we could take it to mean a lot more. The symbol looks a lot like a watch dial, and paired with the word "round," this could point to a new Apple Watch. The gold lettering also could foreshadow a gold iPhone X, which has been talked about a lot this year. But at this point it's anyone's guess and we won't have to wait long to find out.
iPhone XS leak: Real or fake?
Two hours after the invite went out, 9to5Mac released an image of two gold iPhones layered on top of each other. The site claims it's not a mock up, but rather a first look at the iPhones XS. According to the report, Apple is rumored to drop the Plus branding and call both new models "XS."
- See: iPhone XS: Specs, Rumors, Features and Price
Both of the phones shown in the images are the OLED screen versions. The smaller one on the top is the rumored 5.8-inch sequel to the current iPhone X, while the larger is the 6.5-inch model that has been previously referred to as the iPhone X Plus. The image also corroborates the addition of a rumored gold color to the lineup. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.