Ever heard the saying, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end?” Well, for Apple, this held especially true with the iPhone X (pronounced iPhone 10 or iPhone Ten). This wasn’t just another iPhone. It was a statement, a revelation, a leap into the future of mobile technology. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.
Setting the Stage: Previous iPhone Releases
The iPhone’s Journey: From 1 to 8
When Steve Jobs introduced the original iPhone back in 2007, it was clear that Apple wasn’t just releasing a phone; they were defining a generation. Through various iterations from iPhone 1 to iPhone 8, Apple had constantly pushed the envelope, setting industry standards and refining user experiences. Remember when the iPhone 4 dazzled users with its Retina display? Or when the iPhone 6 Plus marked Apple’s entry into the phablet world? Each model was a new chapter, each more innovative than the last.
Anticipation Built around iPhone X
So, when rumors started swirling about the iPhone X, the tenth-anniversary edition, the world was understandably abuzz. Would Apple deliver something truly groundbreaking? The anticipation was palpable, akin to the eve of a major holiday. The iPhone 8 was announced at the same time but the iPhone X was the star or the day. This was Apple’s 10th-anniversary masterpiece. While many read it as “iPhone Ex,” it’s worth noting that it’s pronounced “iPhone Ten” – representing the number 10 in Latin numerals.
The Official Release Date of iPhone X
Drumroll, please… Apple officially announced the iPhone X on September 12, 2017, and it hit the stores on November 3, 2017. Marking its 10th anniversary, this device wasn’t just another number; it was a commemoration of a decade of Apple’s relentless innovation.
What Made iPhone X Stand Out?
Revolutionary Design Elements
The iPhone X was unlike any of its predecessors. It bid farewell to the home button, a staple since the original iPhone. Instead, it introduced the world to a stunning nearly bezel-less OLED display. Can you imagine shifting from a button you’ve pressed a million times to intuitive gestures? It felt like moving from a cozy old home to a sleek modern apartment.
Technological Advancements
Beyond aesthetics, the iPhone X was a technological marvel. Face ID was its crown jewel, replacing the fingerprint scanner with facial recognition tech. It felt like something out of a sci-fi movie, didn’t it? Unlocking your phone with just a glance? Welcome to the future.
Stunning Display: The iPhone X debuted with an OLED 5.8-inch screen, surrounded by ultra-slim bezels – a notable shift from the traditional LCD displays. This enhancement promises vibrant, dynamic colors.
Goodbye, Home Button: Notably, the home button is conspicuously absent. Speculations and renders about this design choice were spot-on, leading to debates about its absence and Apple’s alternative solutions.
iPhone X vs. its Contemporaries
Against its contemporaries, the iPhone X stood tall. While competitors were grappling with camera improvements and battery life, Apple showcased Animojis – turning oneself into animated emojis using facial recognition. Quirky? Yes. Fun? Absolutely!
Innovative Features Setting iPhone X Apart
- Face ID: This is Apple’s crown jewel. iPhone X pioneers the Face ID technology, allowing users to unlock their device through facial recognition, making fingerprint scanning a thing of the past for iPhones.
- Advanced Camera: The iPhone X uniquely boasts optical image stabilization for both its 12-megapixel rear camera lenses. The front camera also offers an enhanced portrait mode, elevating the photography experience.
- Animojis: Adding a dash of fun, iPhone X introduces Animojis. Users can animate their favorite emojis by mirroring facial expressions, offering a playful way to communicate.
Public Reaction and Sales
Initial Response
As with all things new and different, the iPhone X had its fair share of skeptics. However, once users got a feel of the device, most were hooked. It was like going from black and white television to color. Once you experience it, there’s no going back.
Sales Figures and Impact
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone X was a commercial success. According to some reports, it outsold its iPhone 8 and 8 Plus counterparts combined in the initial months. It wasn’t just a phone; it was a phenomenon.
Legacy of the iPhone X
Influence on Subsequent Models
The iPhone X wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. Its design philosophy and tech innovations influenced subsequent models. The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR? They all owe a bit of their DNA to the iPhone X.
How iPhone X Shaped the Mobile Industry
Beyond Apple, the iPhone X set trends that the mobile industry raced to emulate. Bezel-less designs? Check. Face recognition tech? Check. It didn’t just set the bar; it was the bar.
Conclusion: iPhone X’s Place in Tech History
The iPhone X wasn’t just a milestone for Apple; it was a landmark in mobile technology. From its breathtaking design to its pioneering tech, it reshaped our expectations and interactions with smartphones. Years from now, we’ll still be talking about it, won’t we?
iPhone X Specifications (At Launch)
Capacity
64GB or 256GB
Size and Weight
Height: 5.65 inches (143.6 mm)
Width: 2.79 inches (70.9 mm)
Depth: 0.30 inch (7.7 mm)
Weight: 6.14 ounces (174 grams)
Display
Super Retina HD display
8-inch (diagonal) all-screen OLED Multi-Touch display
HDR display
2436-by-1125-pixel resolution at 458 ppi
1,000,000:1 contrast ratio (typical)
True Tone display
Wide color display (P3)
3D Touch
625 cd/m2 max brightness (typical)
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Support for multiple languages and characters simultaneously
Water & Dust Resistance
Rated IP67 under IEC standard 60529
Processor/Chip
A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
Neural engine
Embedded M11 motion coprocessor
Camera
12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
Wide-angle: ƒ/1.8 aperture
Telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture
Optical zoom; digital zoom up to 10x
Portrait mode
Portrait Lighting (beta)
Dual optical image stabilization
Six‑element lens
Quad-LED True Tone flash with Slow Sync
Panorama (up to 63MP)
Sapphire crystal lens cover
Backside illumination sensor
Hybrid IR filter
Autofocus with Focus Pixels
Tap to focus with Focus Pixels
Live Photos with stabilization
Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos
Improved local tone mapping
Body and face detection
Exposure control
Noise reduction
Auto HDR for photos
Auto image stabilization
Burst mode
Timer mode
Photo geotagging
Image formats: HEIF and JPEG
Video Capabilities
4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
720p HD video recording at 30 fps
Optical image stabilization for video
Optical zoom; 6x digital zoom
Quad-LED True Tone flash
Slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
Time‑lapse video with stabilization
Cinematic video stabilization (1080p and 720p)
Continuous autofocus video
Body and face detection
Noise reduction
Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video
Playback zoom
Video geotagging
Video formats: HEVC and H.264
TrueDepth Camera
7MP camera
Portrait mode
Portrait Lighting (beta)
Animoji
1080p HD video recording
Retina Flash
ƒ/2.2 aperture
Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos
Auto HDR
Backside illumination sensor
Body and face detection
Auto image stabilization
Burst mode
Exposure control
Timer mode
Face ID
Enabled by TrueDepth camera for facial recognition
Apple Pay
Pay with your iPhone using Face ID in stores, within apps, and on the web; Complete purchases made with Apple Pay on your Mac; Receive and redeem rewards using rewards cards
Advanced Features
Wireless charging
Assisted GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS
Digital compass
Wi-Fi
Cellular
iBeacon microlocation
Power and Battery
Lasts up to 2 hours longer than iPhone 7
Talk time (wireless): Up to 21 hours
Internet use: Up to 12 hours
Video playback (wireless): Up to 13 hours
Audio playback (wireless): Up to 60 hours
Fast-charge capable: Up to 50% charge 30 minutes
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Wireless charging (works with Qi chargers)
Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter
Fast-charge capable
Sensors
Face ID
Barometer
Three-axis gyro
Accelerometer
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Operating System
Launch OS: iOS 11
Last Supported: iOS 16
Headphones
EarPods with Lightning Connector
SIM Card
Nano-SIM (not compatible with micro-SIM cards)
Retail Box Contents
iPhone with iOS 11
EarPods with Lightning Connector
Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Lightning to USB Cable
USB Power Adapter
Documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the iPhone X officially released?
- The iPhone X was officially released on November 3, 2017.
- Did the iPhone X introduce Face ID?
- Yes, the iPhone X was the first Apple device to introduce the revolutionary Face ID technology.
- What made the iPhone X’s design unique compared to previous models?
- The iPhone X said goodbye to the iconic home button and featured a nearly bezel-less OLED display.
- How did the iPhone X impact subsequent iPhone models?
- Its design and technological innovations became a blueprint for subsequent models like the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.
- Was the iPhone X a commercial success upon its release?
- Absolutely! It reportedly outsold its iPhone 8 and 8 Plus counterparts combined in the initial months.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
