Apple’s much-awaited Gather Round event is less than a week away. Here’s how you can live stream the event starting at 10 AM Pacific Time on Wednesday, September 12. Thanks to a variety of leaks from reliable sources, we have a fair idea of what Apple will unveil on the big day. But fresh information continues to emerge as we move closer to the event. Considering the Gather Round event is just around the corner, the latest leaks are as reliable as they could get. A new report suggests that the largest iPhone model will be called ‘iPhone XS Max’ rather than iPhone XS Plus.
The 6.5-inch model would be called ‘iPhone XS Max’
According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is going to unveil three new iPhones next week. One of them will be a direct successor to the iPhone X with a 5.8-inch OLED display. The second model would cater to budget-conscious buyers and would sport a 6.1-inch LCD screen. There will be a third model with a giant 6.5-inch OLED display. All three of them would look similar to the iPhone X, sporting a bezel-less design with a display notch.
French publication Les Numeriques had reported earlier that the iPhone X successor would be called iPhone XS. Historically, the ‘S’ versions have focused on under-the-hood improvements with little external changes. The larger version was said to be called iPhone XS Plus while the 6.1-inch LCD model would be called iPhone 9. Later reports have indicated the iPhone XS and iPhone 9 names would stay.
But 9to5Mac has learned from two sources familiar with Apple’s marketing plans that the 6.5-inch model would be called ‘iPhone XS Max’ rather than iPhone XS Plus. Since 2014, Apple has introduced two versions of its flagship smartphones – one regular model and a ‘Plus’ variant. But it is going to ditch the ‘Plus’ moniker this year. Last month, Bloomberg had also indicated that Apple was going to drop the ‘Plus’ moniker.
It’s unclear why Apple is choosing ‘iPhone XS Max’ rather than iPhone XS Plus as the marketing name for the 6.5-inch OLED model. Apple’s usual naming pattern was expected to change following the launch of the iPhone X. Anyway, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max will be nearly identical in design and specs except for the screen size, resolution, and battery capacity.
How much will they cost?
German site Macerkopf has revealed the pricing of the iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, and iPhone 9. The 6.1-inch LCD iPhone 9 would cost the same as last year’s iPhone 8. The iPhone XS Max will be the most expensive device while the iPhone XS would be priced in the same range as last year’s iPhone 8 Plus. Macerkopf reports the iPhone 9 would cost €799, the iPhone XS would sell for €909, and the iPhone XS Max is going to cost €1,149.
In the US, the iPhone 9 would go for $699, the iPhone XS should start at $799, while the iPhone XS Max would set you back by $999. The pricing is for the base 64GB model. Sources told Macerkopf that the 256GB model would cost an additional €170 or $150. There is also expected to be a 512GB storage option, but its pricing is not known yet. Macerkopf said two different sources quoted the same prices.
Rumored specs of the upcoming iPhones
In terms of specifications, the iPhone XS and XS Max are rumored to get 4GB RAM, up from 3GB on the iPhone X. The LCD iPhone would feature 3GB RAM and a single camera on the back. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the LCD iPhone will be available in both single- and dual-SIM variants, but the dual-SIM model will be sold exclusively in select markets such as China and India. Kuo also believes the LCD version will be the most popular iPhone this year due to its attractive pricing and iPhone X-like design.
All the three models would feature the second-generation Face ID technology. The iPhone XS and XS Max are rumored to sport dual cameras on the back. Recent reports suggest Apple could drop the 3D Touch functionality from this year’s models. All the iPhones coming later this month will be powered by the A12 chipset, which is produced by TSMC using its 7nm FinFET technology. The A12 will offer better performance and energy efficiency than its predecessor.
All three iPhones will run the iOS 12 software out of the box. The iOS 12 will bring Memoji, Siri shortcuts, an improved Control Center, better notifications, a revamped Stocks app, and Digital Health. The Digital Health feature will let people track and control the time they spend on their iPhones and iPads, as well as within individual apps. Apple is also expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 4 and iPad Pro at the same event on September 12.
