What to Expect from the Just-Launched iPhone X in Six Water Cooler Bullet Points
The home button is gone on Apple's newest, most ambitious device — but you'll be able to unlock it with your face.
Even though any Apple smartphone you've ever owned has struggled to survive more than a couple of years, the iPhone itself has just clocked up a whole decade. And Apple marked the occasion in style, launching three new phones, a new Apple watch and a 4K Apple TV, at the new Steve Jobs Theatre in California overnight.
First up was the Apple 8 and its 8 Plus counterpart — which are the updates to the iPhone 7. They're pretty impressive, but it's the hotly anticipated iPhone X that breaks new ground — and it's this one that people have been itching to take a squiz at. Apple's calling this little beauty "the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone", claiming it'll "set the path for technology for the next decade".
Of course, it doesn't come without its share of cringe-worthy factors. For starters, it's supposedly pronounced 'iPhone ten' which seems a bit contrived. It also comes with a pretty hefty price tag, set to retail at a cool $1579 here in Australia. But it's got some features that might make the cost justified — here's what you need to know.
IT'S A TOUGH LITTLE COOKIE
Like the iPhone 7 and 8 before it, the iPhone X makes poolside anxiety a thing of the past — it's water and dust resistant, even to a microscopic level. It should also be pretty darn tough, given Apple's used the most durable glass you've ever seen in a smartphone, along with surgical grade stainless steel along the edge.
IT'S ALL SCREEN
And it's huge. We're talking about a 5.8-inch display that runs from side to side and top to bottom, right into the curves. It's also got the highest resolution of any iPhone ever, clocking in at 2436 x 1125, or 458 pixels per inch. Throw in HDR capabilities and True Tone light sensor technology and you've got yourself some next-level video-viewing.
THE HOME BUTTON IS HISTORY
Of course, that mega-sized, edge-to-edge screen means the home button has finally been axed. Instead, you'll get to the home screen by simply swiping up from the bottom and move between apps by swiping along the base of the screen. Chat to your old mate Siri by just speaking into your phone, or holding down the new, larger side button.
IT CAN RECOGNISE YOUR FACE
No joke — we've officially entered an era where facial recognition technology exists on your phone. The iPhone X has ditched the old Touch ID fingerprint system, instead using a new state-of-the-art True Depth Camera System and neural engine to scan and detect your mug, even in the dark. After you set it up to recognise your unique facial map, you'll be able to unlock the screen simply by looking at it. Apple even reckons the technology is smart enough to adapt as your face changes over time.
FACE ID MEANS YOU'LL BE ABLE TO BECOME AN EMOJI
Namely, access to a bunch of augmented reality experiences. Apple's already teamed up with Snapchat on a special series of filters that'll fit perfectly to your own face, using your iPhone's facial scanning technology. The company's also taken its emoji game to new heights, allowing you to customise animated emojis to your own facial expressions, then send them on to your mates as looping videos.
IT NOW CHARGES WIRELESSLY
First they got rid of the headphone jack (no, it hasn't made a comeback) and Apple are reducing your need for tangled cords even further. Instead of plugging your phone in to charge, you'll be able to place it on an AirPower mat, which will also be able to charge the Apple Watch and AirPods. Of course, you'll have to buy this separately (and it's not available until next year), but Apple's aim is to eventually have the mats readily available in public places like airports, hotels and cafes.
The iPhone 7 will be available to order from October 27 and to buy from November 3, right here.
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