Apple launches flagship iPhone X, mentions iPhone 8 and 8 Plus too

Another September, another iPhone launch. And as per, the internet hasn't been short of rumours and leaks about Apple's 2017 smartphone line-up in the weeks building up to Apple's annual launch event.

Earlier this week we learned from a leaked version of iOS 11 that Apple's flagship OLED smartphone (sitting above the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus handsets) would be called 'iPhone X', and now we have full details of Apple's latest three handsets.

MORE: iPhone X hands-on review

Apple has announced its new flagship: the iPhone X (pronounced "ten", to celebrate the iPhone's 10th anniversary), which Tim Cook calls "the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone". It features a 5.8in Super Retina OLED display with a 2436 x 1125 resolution and 458ppi – the highest pixel density ever on an iPhone.

Going big on numbers, the X's screen has a claimed 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, as well as 3D Touch display and Apple's TrueTone technology. The X supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats too.

On the audio front, there's support for FLAC audio files and also Bluetooth 5.0 built-in.

The X ditches the home button in favour of a full-screen experience and introduces a new Face ID feature that lets you unlock your phone and make purchases using its clever front-facing camera and sensor technologies.

The rear snapper comprises 12MP wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and is capable of 4K (although not HDR) video recording at 60fps, while a 7MP sensor sits on the front.

The X will, naturally, run iOS 11, which makes advances in augmented reality, Apple Pay, Siri and introduces AirPlay 2. Its 64GB and 256GB versions will be available in space grey and silver finishes, and it should come as no surprise that it will be the most expensive iPhone to date. Prices will start at (gulp!) £999 for the 64GB model, rising to £1149 for the 256GB handset.

Pre-orders for the new Apple iPhone X start on 27th October, with the phone going on sale 3rd November.

Apple has also announced the rather more pragmatic iPhone 8 and 8 Plus smartphones (to supersede the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus).

The iPhone 8 features a 4.7in Retina display, while the 8 Plus takes that to 5.5in.

The two handsets have an all-new design, featuring glass on both the front and back, reinforced by a steel and copper structure. Apple claims the Aerospace-grade aluminium body is the "most durable ever in a smartphone" - it's microscopically sealed for water and dust resistance.

There are new built-in speakers too, which Apple claims go 25% louder than those of the iPhone 7 and have deeper bass too.

Both handsets feature a new A11 bionic chip - faster and more efficient than the A10 chip found in the iPhone 7. They also have the first Apple-designed GPU, which promises to be 30% faster.

As for cameras, the iPhone 8 has a more power-efficient 12MP snapper, with faster autofocus in low light conditions and a new colour filter. The iPhone 8Plus features dual lenses with optical image stabilisation.

Apple also claims the two handsets are capable of the "highest video quality capture ever in a smartphone", with faster frame rates and real-time video analysis to optimise captured content. Users can now shoot slow-mo 1080p HD videos at 240fps.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, which come in silver, space grey or a new gold finish, are available to pre-order from 15th September and begin shipping on the 22nd. Both models come in 64GB and 256GB versions, with the iPhone 8 costing £699 and £849 for the respective sizes and the iPhone 8 Plus £799 and £949.

MORE:

8 new features we (and you) want to see on the iPhone 8

A brief history of the Apple iPhone

Apple's iOS 11 update could deliver FLAC and hi-res audio support

11 truly wireless alternatives to the Apple AirPods

Apple announces AirPlay 2 with multi-room audio

This DIY genius added a headphone jack to the iPhone 7

What is OLED? The tech, the benefits, the best OLED TVs

Leak confirms name of Apple's OLED smartphone: iPhone X

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.