Apple will soon launch new iPhones, as it has already sent out invitations for the launch event, which is scheduled for September 12. With the launch date nearing, leaks about the new iPhones have also become frequent. Last week, we saw leaked images of the iPhone XS and the upcoming Apple Watch Series 4. Now another set of leaked images have been posted online — this time showing the gold iPhone XS.
The gold iPhone XS is almost confirmed
The latest leak comes courtesy tipster Ben Geskin, who goes by the Twitter handle VenyaGeskin1. Geskin tweeted images of the gold-colored iPhone XS, revealing the front and back of the upcoming handset.
A gold iPhone XS was also showcased in a concept video based on last week’s leaks. The concept video reveals both 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch variants. Further, the video shows the glass back and the shiny gold design with a glossy finish. The video was posted by YouTube channel ConceptsiPhone, and it shows the iPhone from different angles.
Based on the images shown in the concept video, the iPhone XS could sport a gold-colored Apple logo with a glossy gold finish and a glass back. The physical buttons appear to be the same as those seen on the iPhone X. Since the video is based on the leak, it should be taken with a grain of salt.
However, there have been reports that Apple won’t offer major internal upgrades for the new iPhones which will succeed the iPhone X. Rather, the iPhone maker may introduce new color schemes. Apple introduced the iPhone 7 and 8 in gold variants, but the iPhone X was only available in silver and space grey. Thus, there is a good chance that we will see a gold iPhone XS. In addition to the gold iPhone XS, Apple is also expected to offer the upcoming iPhone in more color options, including a blue-colored variant.
What to expect from the 2018 iPhones
Geskin’s images are in line with the images leaked by 9to5Mac last week. The leaked images suggest that the upcoming handset will continue the trend of a vertical dual-lens rear camera and Face ID hardware. Similar to the iPhone X, the upcoming iPhone is also expected to feature an edge-to-edge design with minimal bezels.
A recent report from 9to5Mac suggested that both the 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED iPhones will be called the iPhone XS. Earlier, it was expected that the 6.5-inch variant would be the iPhone X Plus. Further, reports indicate that the 6.5-inch iPhone XS could support the Apple Pencil.
If these reports are true, the 6.5-inch iPhone will be the biggest iPhone ever and the most expensive as well, starting at $999. Further, the 5.8-inch variant will reportedly be priced around $800 to $900.
Apple is also expected to unveil a third phone with a single-lens rear camera called the iPhone 9. This iPhone is expected to feature a 6.1-inch edge-to-edge LCD display, and it will likely be the most affordable of all the new iPhones, priced at $600 to $700. Further, there are speculations that a dual-SIM variant of the 6.1-inch model will be exclusive for markets like China and India.
Apart from the leaked image of the gold iPhone XS, other recent leaks have focused on the Apple Watch 4. Leaked images suggest the upcoming Apple Watch will feature an edge-to-edge display with reduced bezels.
Will the 2018 iPhones mark the end of TouchID?
A distinguishing feature of this year’s iPhone will likely be the end of TouchID. All the 2018 iPhones are expected to come with Apple’s FaceID recognition technology. It will mean that there will be no home button, and the camera’s facial recognition will have to be used to unlock the device.
Though Apple’s FaceID is a pretty good feature, one feature that users might miss is the in-screen fingerprint scanner. At a time when almost all major smartphone brands have introduced a screen-based fingerprint scanner in one form or the other, it comes as a surprise that Apple is still not ready to add the technology.
As far as the names of the 2018 iPhones, it is almost confirmed that one of the new iPhones will be called either the “iPhone XS” or the “10 S,” suggesting it is an upgrade to the 2017 iPhone X. Additionally, the term “XS” could also be thought of as “excess,” to suggest that the 2018 iPhone will be super premium.
