European Union Flag
European Apple Users Information & Support
LOGIN
The next event is:
TFM / Ecommerce Expo 2024

From 18 September 2024
to 19 September 2024
More events…

macOS 14 Sonoma
FREE
 Amazon UK Mac Software Affiliate Link

iPhone Xs / Xs Max Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 216
Article Title = iPhone Xs / Xs Max Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 13th September 2018
Article Last Updated = 30th October 2018
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?216

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the iPhone Xs / Xs Max
Trade-In Your iPhone
If you are in the United States of America (USA) Amazon.com has a special iPhone trade-in program currently in operation offering special prices on iPhone trade-ins. There is also the official Apple GiveBack service.
Q. When is the iPhone Xs European launch dates?
A. The iPhone Xs was announced on the 12th September 2018 with pre-orders on 14th September 2018, initial availability on 21st September 2018 (in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom) and further availability on 28th September 2018 (in Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia).
Q. What models are available?
A. There are two sizes: Xs (5.85" diagonal screen) and Xs Max (6.46" diagonal screen).
Q. Other than the screen size is there any other differences between the two models?
A. The only other difference as that due to the larger size of the Xs Max model it has a larger battery and therefore lasts longer in all aspects over the smaller, standard model (thus, it's also slightly heavier).
Q. What are the primary new/upgraded features of the iPhone Xs compared to the older models?
  • New more durable glass
  • A12 Bionic processor with 64-bit architecture and Neural Engine
  • IP68 dust/liquid rating (Up to 2m for 30 minutes)
  • 120Hz screen with 3D-Touch
  • Wider stereo sound
  • Gigabit-class LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA + more supported bands
  • NFC with reader mode
  • Real-time preview in Depth Control - this feature will be available via a free software update later this fall
  • Dual SIM technology (eSIM with DSDS - Dual SIM Dual Standby) [Chinese models only have 2 physical SIM slots] - requires iOS 12.1 or later
See Apple UK's comparison chart for a full feature by feature comparison.
Q. Is the iPhone Xs splash, water, and dust resistant?
A. Yes, rated IP68 under IEC standard 60529.
Q. Does the iPhone Xs come with a 3.5mm headphone jack?
A. No.
Q. What colours is the iPhone Xs available in?
A. Space gray, silver and gold.
Q. What storage capacities is the iPhone Xs available in?
A. 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
Q. What are the system requirements for using an iPhone Xs?
A. The following are required:
  • An Apple ID (for some features)
  • Internet access
  • Syncing with iTunes on a Mac or PC requires
Q. I'm not running OS X 10.11.6 or later. What can I do?
A. Check to see if you can upgrade to OS X 10.11.6 or later.
Q. iPhone Xs supports 4G/LTE in other countries outside of the USA. Can I take advantage of this in Europe?
Q. What mobile frequencies does the iPhone Xs support?
A. The iPhone Xs supports 27 LTE/4G bands including those used in Europe.
Q. Dual SIM support sounds great. Can I use any two SIMs/carriers I want?
A. No. Read all about Apple's Dual SIM technology here. In addition carriers must support the technology - Apple list carrier support by country here.
Q. Does Apple have their own wireless charger?
A. Not yet. On the 12th September 2017 Apple announced the "AirPower" wireless charging mat that can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and optional wireless charging AirPods case, all at the same time! Currently there is no sign of this and no mention was made of it at Apple's media event on the 12th September 2018! Apple AirPower wireless charging mat
Q. Do I have to use Apple's own wireless charger?
A. No, wireless charging uses the Qi standard so any official Qi compatible charger should charge the iPhone Xs. Examples include:
Q. What is Face ID?
Q. Can you tell me more about Face ID?
A. We've moved our FAQ regarding Face ID to its own separate article.
Q. The iPhone Xs only comes with a "Lightning" connector and no 3.5mm audio out socket - can I still use older headphones/earbuds/audio devices that have 3.5mm connector?
A. Yes. But the iPhone Xs does not come with a Lightning to 3.5mm audio connector adaptor in the box - it is available to buy separately Buy it now at Buy it now at Amazon UK Buy it now at Amazon USA
Q. The iPhone Xs comes with a "Lightning" connector. Can I still connect it to my computer/older devices?
A. Potentially, yes. The iPhone Xs comes with a Lightning to USB connector cable in the box which allows you to connect the iPhone Xs to your Mac or Windows PC. If you need compatibility with other devices you may need one of the following products:
Q. Are older models of iPhone still available to buy?
A. Yes. The iPhone 8/8+ and 7/7+ are still available to buy (some models are now available with upgraded storage capacities):
  • iPhone 8/8+ 64GB/256GB (black, silver, gold or rose gold)
  • iPhone 7/7+ 32GB/128GB (black, silver, gold or rose gold)
Apple also launched new lower priced iPhone model - the iPhone Xʀ.
Q. Does the TrueDepth front camera work with third party apps?
A. Third party apps can utilise ARkit to access the TrueDepth front camera face-tracking features but the third party developer will need to update their app to take advantage of the technology. Apple showed a Snapchat "mask" feature during their demo on the 12th September 2017. Third party developers cannot access the secure enclave and they have no access to Face ID map data stored there.
Q. Do Animojis work with third party apps?
A. No - currently it is Apple's iMessage only.
Q. What version of iOS does the iPhone Xs come with?
A. It comes with iOS 12.
Q. What Apple apps come with the iPhone?
A. Below is a list of standard Apple provided iOS apps included with iOS 12 that can now be removed hidden (not all apps are installed on older devices):
  • App Store
  • Books
  • Calculator (not included on iPads)
  • Calendar
  • Camera
  • Clock
  • Compass (not included on iPads)
  • Contacts†
  • FaceTime
  • Files
  • Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod
  • Find My Friends
  • Health
  • Home
  • iTunes Store
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Measure
  • Messages
  • Music††
  • News
  • Notes
  • Phone (not included on iPads)
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Settings
  • Siri
  • Stocks
  • Tips
  • TV
  • Voice Memos
  • Wallet (not included on iPads)
  • Watch††† (not included on iPads)
  • Weather (not included on iPads)
NOTE: Apps can only be re-downloaded unhidden or "updated" via your iOS device - you cannot use iTunes. This is because apps are not actually deleted from your device (only user data and necessary hooks are removed). The signed, secure version of the app remains on your device, just hidden. "Re-downloading" an app doesn't actually involve a download and instead simply "unhides" the app on your device.
† - You can remove hide the Contacts app from an iPhone only. If you remove hide Contacts, you won't lose your contact information. You can still find all of that information in the Phone app.
†† - If you remove hide the Music app, it won’t be available to use with CarPlay.
††† - If you try to remove hide the Watch app from an iPhone that's paired with an Apple Watch, an alert asks you to unpair your Apple Watch before you can remove the app.

And the following Apple apps are also pre-installed:
  • iMovie
  • GarageBand
  • Pages
  • Keynote
  • Numbers
  • iTunes U
  • Clips
  • Apple Store
And the following Apple apps are available to download for free from the iOS App Store:
  • Trailers
  • Apple TV Remote
  • iTunes Remote
  • Music Memos
  • Shortcuts
Q. I don't want iOS 12. Can I install/run an earlier version of iOS?
A. No.

Article Keywords: iPhone XS Max v12iOS iOS12 v13iOS iOS13 v14iOS iOS14 iOS 12 13 14

This article is © MacStrategy » a trading name of Burning Helix. As an Amazon Associate, employees of MacStrategy's holding company (Burning Helix sro) may earn from qualifying purchases. Apple, the Apple logo, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

If this information helped you or saved you time and/or money why not donate a little to us via PayPal?
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.
If this information helped you or saved you time and/or money why not donate a little to us via PayPal?
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.

Go to this
web page
to donate to us.