14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s September 12 event will also witness the debut of the first Plus-sized iPhone X in history, which helps the company not only expand the phone lineup, but also offer a modern alternative to the Galaxy S9+.
The Plus brand was introduced with the iPhone 6, and since then, Apple rolled out new models with every single iPhone launch. Last year, however, the Plus-sized configuration was part of the iPhone 8 lineup, whereas the anniversary iPhone X landed in just one size.
For 2018, Apple has prepared an expanded lineup that will include not only an upgraded iPhone X, but also a bigger sibling that could possibly be branded as Plus.
Interestingly, there are contradictory reports regarding the name that Apple plans to use for this bigger model. While it makes sense for the company to call it iPhone XS Plus, it looks like that Cupertino would instead refer to both versions launching this year as iPhone XS, using the size of the screen as the main differentiator.
While this makes sense on paper, it’ll be interesting to see how the new approach works for consumers, as it’s believed that some confusion could indeed happen due to the two new models that not being sold with different names.
Technical specifications
First and foremost, it’s important to set things clear in one regard: the iPhone XS Plus, no matter if it’ll be called Plus or not, won’t be just a bigger version of the standard iPhone XS, but an upgraded configuration as well.
It’ll boast several exclusive features, but this has been the case for the past two generations, as Apple has only offered a dual-camera configuration on its bigger models exclusively.
In terms of looks, however, the iPhone XS Plus will be clearly inspired from the original iPhone X, and the edge-to-edge approach allows Apple to improve the screen estate without increasing overall dimensions. This means there’s a chance the new Plus is even smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus, despite offering a substantially bigger 6.5-inch OLED screen versus 5.5-inch LCD.
This is achieved thanks to smaller bezels, and if leaked reports are anything to be believed, the device could measure 157.3 x 77.4 x 7.85 mm (6.19 x 3.04 x 0.30 inches). The 6.5-inch screen could boast a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels and 458 PPI, just like on the original iPhone X.
As it’s the case of the iPhone XS with a 5.8-inch OLED screen, power will come from the A12 chip and 4GB RAM. It’s believed the Plus version may be the only one getting 4GB RAM, though camera setups could be identical with the ones on the smaller models.
Touch ID wouldn’t be offered, as Apple will bet big on Face ID facial recognition, and the bigger model will also feature other perks like wireless and fast charging. No word has been said on battery capacity, but given the larger screen, Apple is likely to go for some upgrades here too. iPhone 8 Plus offers a battery of 2691 mAh.
Storage will also be increased, and there is a good chance that the top-of-the-range iPhone XS Plus will come with 512GB, just like the top Samsung Galaxy Note9.
Price, versions, and availability
Apple will continue to offer the same two colors, namely silver and space gray, but a third version is also on the table. A gold iPhone XS Plus may be released too, though some reports seem to suggest that it would only be offered for the 512GB configuration.
iPhone XS Plus will most likely be priced from $999 for the base model with 64GB storage, though it goes without saying that you’ll have to pay more as capacity increases. The 512GB configuration could be priced at approximately $1200 to $1300.
As for availability, iPhone XS Plus will follow the roadmap of its smaller brother, and after the September 12 launch, it may go up on pre-order on September 14. Shipments might start a week later on September 21.