Last month, Apple officially announced their latest smartphone models for this year’s cycle. Consumers learned that the firm plans to release three new versions of the popular handset. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have already hit the market and analysts have noted that sales numbers are not that impressive. They attributed the lower-than-expected performance to the iPhone X, which launches next month. The top shelf model has been dubbed as the device that will allegedly begin a super cycle, wherein there will be two major device releases within the year for Apple.
iPhone X features
Apple made sure to include improvements across all of its new models this year. One of those changes is the most-requested wireless charging, which was initially speculated to use an in-house standard. However, the company surprised consumers when they confirmed it will use the established Qi wireless charging technology. Entry models not start with a 64GB internal storage and move up to 256GB as the highest. Meanwhile, the iPhone X will launch a little later and is expected to offer buyers something different from its recently released siblings.
OLED Display over IPS
Currently, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are both equipped with usual IPS LCD display technology with some upgrades.
It would supposedly stand out from other smartphones using the same tech. The two versions still sport larger bezels on the top and bottom half of its frame, which other mid-range to flagship models from other manufacturers have ditched in favor or almost-bezel-less screens. Apple’s iPhone X was manufactured to compete with other brands and sports an edge-to-edge display, albeit a small notch on top that houses its earpiece, front-facing cameras, and other sensors.
Moreover, it comes with another first for the firm, an OLED touchscreen.
New security features
During the early stages of its development, the team at Cupertino reportedly struggled with Touch ID. Their bold new design meant that the fingerprint sensor cannot be installed in the same location as before. Likewise, they did not want to relocate the component on the rear panel, which was obviously reserved for the logo.
Therefore, they took a new step and included a new security option, which is called Face ID. Unlike other face unlock technology used by other manufacturers.
Supply issues threaten availability
It came as a surprise when Apple announced that the iPhone X will launch in November. Prior to its official announcement, there were already rumors that supply chain difficulties might delay its release. KGI Securities predicts that the company’s challenges with their key components like the OLED display and TrueDepth camera might delay its planned super cycle to 2018. Those interested to secure a unit for are advised to immediately place their pre-orders soon. Experts predict a shortage during the holiday season due to overwhelming demand and manufacturing delays.
