We are slowly starting to understand that the launch of the iPhone was a once in a generation – at least – event and not just one big step in an endless procession of upending innovations. The iPhone X, marking the device’s first decade, is being sold as its most strident evolutionary leap. The X is all-screen – a 5.8 inch Super Retina display – with a glass back for wireless charging and face recognition security. What that means is a lot more high-quality real estate in the same space.
Give the hoopla around the launch of Apple’s iPhone X (available for pre-order from tomorrow, with a 3 November release date), the arrival of iPhone 8 seems like an afterthought, a necessary stopgap. In fact, if you go go for the plus-sized model anyway, the 8 packs in much of the X’s good stuff, including the glass and aluminium case, the Retina HD display, the super speedy A11 bionic chip and up-dated dual camera featuring the rather stunning, at least in natural light, Portrait Lighting mode.
Photography has been a key driver of the iPhone’s success but Apple is clearly betting big on augmented reality as the next big thing in the app universe, potentially revolutionising gaming, mobile retail, mapping as well educational and training apps. And the 8 is primed and ready as launch pad for AR app developers.
The Super Retina display employs new techniques and technology to precisely follow the curves of the design, all the way to the elegantly rounded corners
Clearly the Plus is as now as plus-sized is as an iPhone is likely to go. The (non-plussed) X offers a screen almost as big. In that sense the 8 Plus is the end of the road but, in every other sense, it heralds the iPhone’s next leap forward.
The third version of Apple Watch meanwhile answers all the major criticisms of the original. While version two added GPS, an essential for any serious sportswatch, V3 adds cellular connectivity, contract allowing. Which means you can now leave your iPhone at home and it will not only know where you are going and how quickly but also alert you to calls, messages and e-mails and even allow you to stream music and listen to it through Bluetooth headphones.
The smart thing is they have managed to pack all that extra functionality into a watch that is only slightly portlier than Series 1. The challenge now is to do things with Apple Watch, initially through software updates and smart work with app developers, that doesn’t just answer the critics but energises and surprises.
The iPhone X features a 7MP TrueDepth camera and a redesigned 12MP rear camera with dual OIS
Left, the iPhone X has an all-glass design with a 5.8-inch Super Retina display. Right, the Apple Watch Series 3 has been upgraded with a faster dual-core processor and wireless chip
Left, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in a gold finish. Right, the new iPhone 8 camera includes a larger and faster sensor, new colour filter, deeper pixels and OIS for capturing photos and videos with more detail
INFORMATION
The iPhone X is available for pre-order from 27 October. For more information, visit the Apple website
-
Revolutionary Apple icon designer Susan Kare unveils a playful jewellery and objet collaboration with Asprey StudioAsprey Studio's new collection, Esc Keys, brings digital artworks by Susan Kare to life
-
What is the role of fragrance in contemporary culture, asks a new exhibition at 10 Corso ComoMilan concept store 10 Corso Como has partnered with London creative agency System Preferences to launch Olfactory Projections 01
-
Jack White's Third Man Records opens a Paris pop-upJack White's immaculately-branded record store will set up shop in the 9th arrondissement this weekend
-
Panerai’s new watch is full of nautical nodsPanerai encapsulates the classic design of a yacht in the Radiomir Eilean Experience Edition watch, and plots a course into new, metaverse waters
-
On your marks and get ready for Bremont and Williams Racing’s new watchBremont and Williams Racing have partnered on the Bremont WR-22 watch – and it's a sporting triumph
-
Tudor unveils new watch developed with French NavyThe new Tudor Pelagos FXD watch draws on the brand’s diving watch history and the needs of elite combat swimmers
-
Chopard Happy Sport watch puts a playful spin on diamondsTwo new editions, titled Chopard Happy Sport The First, rethink the classic sports watch for women and tantalise with dancing diamonds
-
Tech tapestry: Apple unveils woven nylon straps for the Apple Watch -
Nomos puts a sporty twist on a classic with the new Club watchThe limited edition Nomos Club pieces are available in three muted colours
-
Into the deep: Tudor’s new diving watch builds on a rich historyThe Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight ‘Navy Blue’ is the latest sports watch from the Swiss watch brand
-
The best gear, gadgets and garments for your bicycle
