Image Source: KGI Securities / Ming-Chi Kuo (screenshot)Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone event is now just days away, but that isn’t stopping the rumors and leaks. Instead, they have intensified. Reports have already been suggesting the names of two of the three iPhones expected to be unveiled at the event. Now a new leak suggests the third new iPhone will be called the iPhone XC and that it will be an entry-level phone.
What are the names of the 2018 iPhones?
We are expecting to see three new iPhones this time. There are reports that the updated version of the iPhone X will be called the iPhone XS, while the model some have been referring to as the iPhone 9 Plus will feature a 6.5-inch display and be called the iPhone XS Max. Until now, the name of the least expensive or entry-level iPhone was not known.
However, thanks to a leak from China, we now have that name: the iPhone XC. It is expected to be the least expensive of the three, and it will likely sport a 6.1-inch LCD. This new leak appears to be a slide from a Chinese carrier’s marketing presentation, and it’s circulating widely on the Chinese social media site Weibo.
The letter C could be included to indicate that the iPhone XC is in the same class as the more-affordable iPhone 5C, which was launched a few years ago. The leak also appears to clear up the confusion about the awkward iPhone XS Max name, indicating that it will instead be called the iPhone XS Plus.
So now we have the names (although unconfirmed) of all three 2018 iPhones: the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Plus and the iPhone XC. The names are in line with Apple’s usual naming conventions. The leaked slide also reveals expected prices for all three new models: the iPhone XS Plus at $1,000, the iPhone XS at $900, and the iPhone XC at $699.
iPhone XC to come in new colors
Another leak about the iPhone XC also reportedly reveals the design and colors the handset will be available in. The well-known tipster Ben Geskin tweeted several images of prototypes showing the handset in red, white, rose gold and blue. All are standard colors except for red, suggesting Apple may come up with a Product RED model right away rather than launching it in the spring.
Guys… this is not clones or dummy models.. this is a real deal ? Prototypes https://t.co/B8KESnTjx2
— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) September 9, 2018
Further, the leaked images show a glass back and single rear camera, something we have already seen on dummy units. To save on costs, the LCD-equipped iPhone is also expected to have aluminum edges instead of the stainless steel used in the iPhone X. One of the leaked images also apparently shows dual-SIM slots, backing the long-running rumors that one of the 2018 iPhones would get this feature.
However, MacOtakara claims the dual-SIM model will be the iPhone XS rather than the iPhone XC. Additionally, it may not launch in all countries, so it could be exclusive to countries like India and China, where dual-SIM phones are extremely popular. It would be wise to take the color leak with a grain of salt as well. It is widely believed that Apple built a gold-colored iPhone X but never launched it.
Here’s what else we expect from the 2018 iPhones
Nevertheless, we will soon learn the real details about the iPhones Apple is launching this year and the colors they will be available in. Apple’s event is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. The invitation for the event bears an image of the circular roof of the company’s Apple Park campus in gold, possibly suggesting a new color for this year’s iPhones. Though the invitation does not state that Apple will announce the iPhone (or iPhones) at the event, September has been the month the company announces new phones for years.
Last year’s iPhone X successor will likely be called the iPhone XS and is expected to feature the same 5.8-inch OLED screen. Reports also suggest Apple will launch the biggest iPhone ever this year, featuring a 6.5-inch OLED screen and called the iPhone XS Plus. As already stated, the third iPhone is expected to be the least expensive of the three, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD screen. Since the iPhone XC will likely be most affordable of the three, it will likely get a single-lens camera.
There are also other reports that one of the iPhones will feature a rear-facing camera with a triple-lens array similar to that in Huawei’s new P20 Pro.
