Apple’s 2018 iPhones will have iPhone X specs, with varying prices

The end of August is nigh, which means we’re getting closer to the mother of all tech reveals: the September Apple product unveilings. 

More details have emerged about what’s up Apple’s sleeve this time around, per a new report from Bloomberg. The information comes via “people familiar with the matter.” 

Bloomberg’s report confirms a lot of what we already anticipated, largely thanks to government filings and information from prodigious Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That is, there will be three new models: an upgraded iPhone X, an iPhone X with a bigger 6.5 inch screen, and a cheaper version of the X. That more affordable model will have an LCD screen and aluminum edges, instead of the X’s stainless steel casing and OLED screen.

The report provided some insight into the conversations at Apple around the products. Apparently, employees are terming this year’s launch as an “S year,” referring to previous releases like the iPhone 6s. That means that the focus is on internal updates, rather than significant new product design. 

There has also apparently been ongoing conversation about what to call these bad boys, leaving Apple in what Bloomberg described as “naming conundrum.” 

We still don’t know the official names of any of the new models. There’s reportedly been back and forth on whether to do away with the “Plus” designation for the bigger screen, and Apple has apparently considered calling the retooled X an “iPhone Xs.” But Bloomberg’s source noted that the final names could still be different.

One factor adding to that naming confusion is the fact that the cheapest new iPhone will actually be bigger than the remodeled iPhone X (though not the iPhone XPlus). The new LED iPhone will have face ID, no home button, and gesture control just like the iPhone X. So what to call essentially the Volkswagen to the iPhone X’s Audi?

The report has confirmed other previously reported details, such as the fact that the LED iPhone will come in fun colors, like the ill-fated iPhone 5c models.  However, it did not weigh in on whether the iPhone X models will come in the rumored gold. It also stated that the two new iPhone X’s will retain the two back cameras, but the LED will only have one. And that the biggest upgrades to the iPhone X’s will be in the camera, and in processing speeds.

iPhones in some regions will also have dual SIM card slots, which might allow for easier travel between countries with varying coverage areas.

So a picture of the new beauties is emerging. The biggest questions that remain unanswered and unconfirmed are the names — and, gulp, the price tag.