X

iPhone XS: 17 most-wanted features

Once again it's time to look forward and ruminate on what we'd like to see in the next iPhone.

David Carnoy
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
David Carnoy
iphone-8-rendering-armend.png
1 of 20 Armend/YouTube

We're in the home stretch: Apple's big fall event is scheduled for Sept. 12, and rumors (and leaks) are pointing to three new iPhones: A second-gen iPhone X, again with a 5.8-inch OLED screen, and two larger models -- a 6.5-inch OLED and a 6.1-inch LCD handset. The latter might strip a few features -- such as 3D Touch and the dual rear camera -- to come in at a price point lower than the current iPhone X. 

No matter how many new iPhones are unveiled on Wednesday -- and whatever they're called -- there are plenty of features we'd like to see in the new models. Here are our top priorities -- along with our guess on the likelihood of each one being implemented in the top-end model.  

This story was originally published March 5, 2018, and is updated periodically.

iPhone X Face ID yes
2 of 20 CNET

Faster, better Face ID

Using the Face ID feature, the iPhone X works pretty well but it's still generally not as fast or smooth as the current iteration of Touch ID. In addition to a speed bump, it would be great if Face ID for 2018 could work at wider angles and different orientations of the device. Better performance in bright sunlight would be optimal, too. 

It also appears that iOS 12 allows Face ID for "different appearances," which may or may not mean that you can have a second person -- such as a spouse or significant other -- unlock your phone, too.

Chance of implementation: 75 percent

Face ID 2 could be the biggest improvement on the iPhone XS

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus

gearvr-controller-9.jpg
3 of 20 Sarah Tew/CNET

Better virtual reality support

Since iOS 11 added support for Apple's ARKit to the iPhone 6S and later models, we've seen plenty of augmented reality apps hit the App Store. ARKit 2 in iOS 12 is adding even more fun tricks to the iPhone's mixed reality portfolio.

But what about virtual reality? Apple jumped into VR at 2017's WWDC, but it was mostly Mac-focused. CEO Tim Cook has said he sees bigger possibilities for AR than VR, but the company has been rumored to be working on standalone VR glasses for the future -- though apparently later than sooner.

In the interim, it'd be nice to see an Apple-branded headset into which the iPhone can be placed, similar to Samsung's Gear VR, shown here.

Chances of Apple-branded VR accessory: 15 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

oneplus205.jpg
4 of 20 Aloysius Low/CNET

USB Type-C connectivity and charging

Plenty of people would get upset if Apple switched from its Lightning port to a USB Type-C connection, which is gradually becoming the standard for other phones and laptops, including Apple's own line of MacBooks. But swapping out the rectangular USB-A connector on the iPhone charger that comes in the box -- while leaving Lightning on the phone -- would mean that Apple users could charge their iPhones from their new MacBooks without needing an adapter. Apple does sell one of these cables, but you have to pay extra for it. And if they had the right power adapter, they could also charge their phones more quickly (see next slide). The rumor of a USB-C charger has picked up steam in recent months.

Chances of USB-C on iPhone: Less than 0.01 percent

Chances of USB-C on default charger: 20 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

usb-c-to-lightning
5 of 20 B&H Photo

Include fast charger in box

If you go to Apple's website, you can find a page that talks about fast charging. Here's how Apple describes it:

Fast charging gives you a quick and convenient way to recharge your iPhone X, iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus. Your iPhone fast charges up to 50 percent in 30 minutes when you use an Apple USB-C to Lightning cable and one of these adapters:

  • Apple 29W, 30W, 61W or 87W USB-C Power Adapter
  • A comparable third-party USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD)

It'd be nice if those accessories were included in the box -- especially if you were buying the top-end iPhone starting at $999, £999 or AU$1,579. Apple charges $25, £25 or AU$35 for the cable alone, although you can get generic versions for much less. However, those generic cables are not part of Apple's "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" program that certifies cables as safe to use, so go for the cheaper cables at your own risk.

Chances of implementation: 10 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

iphone-x-model-numbers
6 of 20 Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

Universal carrier support on one handset

Right now, there are up to four SKUs for each iPhone model, to account for differences between CDMA and GSM networks, as well as for the Japanese Suica transit card. It would be great to have one iPhone that could be a true world traveler.

Chance of implementation: 5 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone and iPhone X Plus

5g-at-mwc.jpg
7 of 20 Roger Cheng/CNET

5G support for futureproofing

OK, this is a stretch, but we can dream, right?

Current iPhones work on 4G networks. Upcoming 5G cellular data networks promise blazing-fast speeds. But we probably won't see 5G networks -- and 5G phones -- until late 2019 at the earliest. Still, it would sure be nice if Apple slipped a 5G chip in its 2018 iPhones.

Chance of implementation: 0.1 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

dsc2339.jpg
8 of 20 Matt Elliott/CNET

More iCloud storage for less money

This doesn't really have anything to do with the hardware of the new iPhones, but I thought I'd throw it in the mix to voice a common complaint about an extra Apple tax you end up paying if you go with its backup service, iCloud.

With photo and video file sizes getting larger and larger with each new iPhone you buy, Apple needs to give you more storage for less money -- or at least for the same amount of money. And how about a free year of storage equal to the capacity of the phone? With Google now offering more cloud storage for less money with Google One, maybe Apple will follow suit.

Chances of an iCloud price cut: 5 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.  

iphone-x-memory-options
9 of 20 Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

More internal storage for the same money

Most iPhones now come in 64GB and 256GB capacities. With just $12 separating the price of 64GB and 128GB microSD cards, the price to double up on that low-end capacity is rapidly shrinking. Apple could throw customers a bone and double the capacity of the entry-level models. But don't count on it.

Chance of implementation: 5 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

3d-touch
10 of 20 Apple

3D Touch features that are actually useful

There's a rumor that Apple's much-hyped 3D Touch feature, first introduced with the iPhone 6S, may get nixed from at least one new, reportedly more affordable next-generation iPhone.

We have no idea whether that's true or not, but we have to admit: Right now, we wouldn't really miss if it went away, replaced instead by a long press. 

If it's going to stay, Apple should ramp up implementations that are actually, you know, useful. How about 3D Touch to swap between Bluetooth and AirPlay output devices? Or to switch between Wi-Fi networks without going into a whole new menu screen?

Chances of more useful 3D Touch features: 15 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

a11.jpg
11 of 20 Apple

Faster processor, improved 3D graphics

Apple has consistently improved the iPhone's graphics capabilities with each new iteration, and not surprisingly, we've come to expect a performance boost. We would be disappointed if we didn't get one, though we'd sacrifice some power in favor of a big battery boost.

The A11 Bionic chip you see here powers the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X. It's built on 10 nanometer process technology -- produced by Taiwanese giant TSMC.

Rumor has it TSMC will produce all the new A12 chips that will power the next-generation iPhones, and that those chips will be built on 7 nanometer process technology to further maximize speed and performance.

The iPhone 8 has 2GB of RAM, while the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X have 3GB. Hopefully, the new iPhones will get a RAM bump to at least 4GB. Samsung's new Galaxy S9 comes with 4GB of RAM while the larger Galaxy S9 Plus has 6GB.

Chances of implementation: 100 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

iphone-x2
12 of 20 KGI Securities

Larger screen

The now widely accepted belief that we'll get three large-screen iPhones in 2018 originated with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier this year, postulating a trio of phones that included two with screens larger than the existing 5.8-inch iPhone X.

According to Kuo, there's going to be a new high-end model (call it the iPhone X Plus) that would have a 6.5-inch OLED. Additionally, Apple would make a more affordable model with a 6.1-inch LCD -- albeit stripping some high-end features out of that latter model.

The theory has more recently been endorsed by a Bloomberg report and no one has really suggested a different scenario at this piont.

Chances of implementation: 90 percent 

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

iphone-8-virtual-home-button.png
13 of 20 TechDesigns/YouTube

Touch ID behind the screen

The iPhone X was the first iPhone to leave off a physical home button, but in the process, Apple also removed the Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

There was some hope that we'd get a virtual home button that would include a fingerprint scanner, but Apple, like Samsung, was said to be having trouble getting a fingerprint scanner to work behind the screen.

Apple focused instead on facial recognition to handle unlocking duties, but we'd still like to see Touch ID behind the screen, a la phones made by Vivo.

Chances of Touch ID behind the screen: 1 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

002GTsaphire.jpg
14 of 20 Josh Miller/CNET

Shatterproof screen

Back when the iPhone 6 came out, there was chatter that it would sport a shatter-resistant sapphire screen, but that never materialized.

We managed to crack the iPhone X's screen with just one drop (Apple charges $279, £286 or AU$419 to replace the iPhone X's OLED screen). Also worth noting: the back of the phone, which is also made out glass, didn't fare any better. 

We're still waiting for an iPhone that's truly shatter-resistant like the Motorola Z2 Force. Whether that's Corning's Gorilla Glass 6 or something that Apple whips up itself is fine by us.

Chances of implementation: 5 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

iphone-8-dummy
15 of 20 Patrick Holland/CNET

Better performing camera

The iPhone's camera keeps getting slightly better with each iteration. But there's always room for improvement, and a better camera is one of the main upgrade features people are looking for when they shell out big bucks for a new iPhone.

The iPhone X got dual lenses that allow for more flexibility while shooting. It also got a better front selfie camera. Both offered improved performance in low-light conditions, but low-light and flash performance could be even better -- competition from Samsung, Huawei and others is only ramping up.

Chances of implementation: 100 percent that the camera will be "better," but 25 percent that it will be a significant upgrade from the 2017 iPhone X

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

galaxy-s9-vs-pixel-2-camera-7119
16 of 20 Josh Miller/CNET

3 rear cameras with 3x or 4x optical zoom

Since the camera is one of the main reasons people upgrade to a new phone, we have some additional, more specific imaging upgrades we've already seen in other phones. 

Competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S9 are upping the ante with variable aperture, while the impressive Huawei P20 Pro added a triple-lens camera array and 3x optical zoom. We'd like to see 2018 iPhones match those features.

Chance of implementation: 10 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

iphone-6-battery-770.png
17 of 20 Apple

Significantly better battery life

Apple manages to keep each new iPhone slim while equipping it with a faster processor and graphics chip to also improve on battery life. But the truth is, we'd trade a little of that slimness and power for better battery life -- and so would a lot of other people.

With the iPhone X, you'd think that Apple might manage to squeeze out a little more battery life with the combination of a more efficient processor and an OLED screen, but the gains didn't materialize. In our video playback tests, the iPhone 8 Plus was the battery life king. 

The X has done better in our subsequent tests, but those are similar to tests by Tom's Guide and the Wall Street Journal, which found the iPhone X battery landed squarely in between the 8 and and the Plus. Nevertheless, we still seem stuck on "don't go out for the night without bringing a battery pack."

Apple has positioned iOS 12 as adding speed and performance improvements to even older iPhones. It would be great if that translated into better battery life, too.

Chances of implementation: 15 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

samsung-galaxy-s5-7103-026.jpg
18 of 20 Sarah Tew/CNET

Features the iPhone will never have, but we wish it would

Alas, we know the iPhone will never have a removable back that allows you to swap in a new battery and add your own microSD memory card (yes, those 64GB cards are pretty cheap now). But hey, we couldn't resist mentioning it.

Chances of expandable storage: 0 percent

Chances of removable battery: 0 percent (though this feature has disappeared from all recent iPhone competitors, too)

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

apple-iphone-6s-plus-silver-2900-001.jpg
19 of 20 Josh Miller/CNET

Return of the headphone jack? Nope

This last one's for the folks who said before the launch of 2016's iPhone 7 that they'd never upgrade their iPhone if Apple removed the headphone jack. We'd be shocked if it returned in the next iPhone, but headphone jack lovers can dream.

Chances of implementation: 0 percent

Everything we know about the 2018 iPhone/iPhone XS/iPhone X Plus.   

iphone-2018-rumors-page
20 of 20 Josh Miller/CNET

All the iPhone 2018 news and rumors

That's it for our list of most-wanted features for the next iPhones, whatever they're called. But you can stay abreast of all the latest iPhone rumors by visiting CNET's regularly updated iPhone 2018 news and rumors page, and check out our live coverage of the big Sept. 12 unveiling.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos