Ten years ago, Apple debuted the future of technology with the release of the first iPhone. They believe they have changed the game again with the latest models, some which will be in stores Friday morning.
Apple is releasing three new iPhones over the next two months: the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X (10).
Key improvements for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus include the physical makeup, a more powerful camera, and wireless charging.
Apple emphasized the camera features as one of the most attractive elements of the new phone. The phones incorporate a 12-megapixel dual camera.
Apple says these iPhones will have the highest-quality video capture ever in a smartphone, and will have real-time image and motion analysis. Compared to the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 8, it films at 30 more frames per second.
Ryerson professor Norman Shaw is an expert in mobile devices and e-commerce. He believes that the iPhone X is a lot of hype. “It is not a game changer like the very first iPhone.”
Although high camera resolution is nice, “How many people are now printing out large paper photos?” When most of us tend to view photos only on our low-resolution phones and tablets, Shaw says there is no need for such high-resolution lenses.
The iPhone X is what Apple’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook called: “a product that will set the path for technology for the next decade.”
The iPhone X is expected to cost approximately $1,300 without a contract, with the iPhone 8 pricing starting at $850.
The most futuristic element of the iPhone X is its facial recognition, which replaces a fingerprint scanner used to unlock the phone.
“The main thing is the facial recognition. I am not sure that is worth $1,300 unless you are one of those first adopters that wants to impress friends, and it will help if you have a business account,” says Shaw.
The phone uses a 3D camera to analyze your face so precisely that it creates a one-in-a-million chance someone else could pass as you. Your phone will also recognize you even if you dye your hair or grow a beard. But not everyone was pleased with the feature.
Ryerson student Christina Mancino said she never liked that the previous iPhone models took your fingerprint, and is even less of a fan of Apple’s facial recognition software.
“I wouldn’t want that as a feature on my phone, I don’t want it storing information about me,” Mancino said. “I think it’s kind of scary where technology is going with that.”
While there is still a charging port, Apple has also completely removed wires from the customer experience on all three phones.
Apple is introducing a charging mat, the AirPower, which will be used for the iPhone, Apple watch, and rechargeable ear pods. The wireless charger will be available next year. For now, all Qi-certified products will support the new phone.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus hit stores on Friday. The iPhone X will be available for pre-order on Oct. 27, and will be shipped on Nov. 3.
My name is Kayla McLaughlin, and I am a fourth-year journalism student at Ryerson University. I have a large interest in entertainment news, television and radio broadcasting, and online multi-media writing.