Apple goes big screen, dual SIM with new iPhone Xs Max, Xs and XR

By David Flynn, September 13 2018
Apple goes big screen, dual SIM with new iPhone Xs Max, Xs and XR

  • iPhone Xs Max: 6.5-inch screen, dual SIM, on sale Sept 21 from $1,799
  • iPhone Xs: 5.8-inch screen, dual SIM, on sale Sept 21 from $1,629
  • iPhone XR: 6.1-inch screen, dual SIM, on sale Oct 26 from $1,229

Apple pulled back the curtains on a trio of new iPhones overnight, although the usual flurry of pre-launch leaks stole most of the tech giant's thunder.

The iPhone Xs, starting at $1,629, succeeds last year’s iPhone X flagship model with a faster A12 processor and updated cameras.

The iPhone Xs Max is a higher-end version with a 6.5-inch OLED screen, making it one of the biggest on the market – and one of the most expensive, at $1,799 and up.

Both models introduce 512GB storage options for the first time, which lifts pricing to $2,199 for the iPhone Xs and $2,369 for the iPhone Xs Max.

The third model, called the Xr, is Apple’s biggest hardware bet of 2018. It retains the key advances of the first iPhone X – facial recognition and an edge-to-edge display – but is more affordable, from $1,229, while being noticeably larger at 6.1 inches. Apple used older LCD screen technology and aluminium, rather than stainless steel, edges.

All three models offer dual SIM technology which pairs a conventional microSIM card slot with a virtual eSIM module like that already used on the Apple Watch and iPad, although Apple notes "Dual SIM support will be available via a free software update later this spring."

The iPhone Xs and Xs Max both boast a faster and improved 12-megapixel dual camera system with dual optical image stabilisation with 2x optical zoom, Apple's latest A12 Bionic processor and work with high-speed Gigabit-class LTE cellular networks.

Apple also unveiled a new Watch Series 4 with larger 40mm and 44mm faces than the 38mm and 42mm displays of the Watch Series 3, which now sees a drop in price to $399.

The fourth-gen smartwatches also include more health capabilities, a faster processor and haptic feedback for the 'digital crown' controller.

The Apple Watch Series 4 goes on sale alongside the iPhone Xs and Xs Max on September 21, starting at $599 for the standard model and $749 if you want cellular coverage.

Additional material by Bloomberg.

David

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Jul 2011

Total posts 1378

Given the lack of eSim support from carriers at present, the HK/China models which are reportedly true Dual SIM might be popular with travellers

21 Feb 2018

Total posts 2

Micro sim or nano sim?

All iPhone models use Nano Sims

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 May 2018

Total posts 1

How about battery strength?

14 Oct 2018

Total posts 1

hi,i want to buy iphone xs in australia and take to china , will this work, thanks


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Apple goes big screen, dual SIM with new iPhone Xs Max, Xs and XR