Apple's New Flagship iPhone to Be Called 'iPhone X'
Apple's new phone will be called the iPhone X, according to a leak of the company's latest mobile operating system.
Parts of software code inside of the leaked operating system, detailed by Apple news website 9to5Mac, show the expected three new phones will be called the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are successors to the current iPhone models, while the iPhone X is the premium version with a new design, an OLED screen, improved cameras, and a 3-D facial recognition scanner for unlocking the device.
The new devices will be unveiled at an event on Tuesday.
Apple declined to comment.
Earlier reports claimed that the premium X device will replace the usual Touch ID fingerprint scanner with a face unlock feature. Apple will call the enhancement Face ID, according to the code. The sensor will also be used for scanning a person's facial expression and converting that into animated emojis for messaging, the code shows. The premium model is also expected to lack a home button and instead use a series of gestures for controlling the device.
The high-end iPhone is expected to have all-new look that drops the bezels around the display. Almost the entire front of the phone will be screen save for a cutout at the top for the earpiece, selfie camera, and sensors. The sides will be a continuous stainless steel band and the back will be made of glass. Look for the rear cameras to be vertically, not horizontally aligned, for better augmented reality apps.
The device's OLED display will also feature "True Tone" technology, a sensor that allows the screen to change temperature based on the environment, according to leaked software code.
Apple will also flex its semiconductor-design muscles yet again with a new chip for the iPhone likely to be dubbed the A11. The component is said to be based on a 10 nanometer manufacturing process, which means it will be more efficient so your iPhone battery will last longer. The company has also been working on a dedicated AI chip.
As usual, the iPhone will ship also with the new iOS11 software. Key additions include a redesigned Control Center, support for augmented reality apps, Apple Pay support in iMessage, maps for inside airports and malls, and a dedicated app for managing files. The 3-D sensor will also scan your face and apply your facial expressions to new animated emoji in iMessage.
The leaked software also sheds more light on an upcoming version of the Apple Watch that has its own cellular connection.
Beyond the iPhone and the new Apple Watch, the company is also planning a version of the Apple Watch that connects to wireless networks and an upgraded Apple TV. As previewed in June, Apple is also preparing important software updates for all of its platforms - iOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS - and is likely to showcase some features from those on Tuesday.
The main upgrade of the new Apple TV will be support for 4K video, a standard with much higher resolution. Apple has been in talks with popular video streaming apps, TV studios, and movie studios about supplying 4K content for the box.
To go along with 4K, Apple is planning to support HDR video playback as well. This standard shows video with much more vivid colors.
The updated box will feature a faster processor to handle the higher-resolution video. The current Apple TV box, introduced in 2015, features the A8 processor from the iPhone 6, which launched in 2014. For comparison, the iPhone 7 includes the A10 chip.
Currently, users can access live TV streams from a number of Apple TV applications by asking Siri or launching those respective apps. Apple is testing expanding that access to its own TV app launched last December. That means no more clicking on different app icons, although you'll still have to enter any required login details.
Later this fall, Apple has also promised to release HomePod, the Siri-powered smart speaker. The speaker will be a gateway to Apple Music in the home by way of speakers that can adjust to conditions in different rooms.
Also shipping in December is a high-end version of the iMac. Like the current iMac, this one will have a high-resolution 5K display, but the internals are all new. The machine packs in some of the fastest processors and graphics chips on the market and starts at $4,999. Apple has also said that it's working on a new Mac Pro (the company's high end desktop without a built-in screen) and a new external monitor for professionals.