Get ready for an all-new breed of iPhone - this is the iPhone XS Max. That's the iPhone 'Ten S' Max, not the 'Excess Max', but that's what most people will be seeing in this name. That would miss out on what's an interesting new product, especially for iPhone fans.
Update: iPhone XS Max pre-orders are now open!
Although in the past Apple has differentiated the Plus models with a better camera setup, the iPhone XS Max is identical to the iPhone XS other than the larger screen and battery.
Below you'll find links to all of our other iPhone and Apple hands on reviews from the big event...
- Hands on iPhone XS review
- Hands on iPhone XR review
- Hands on Apple Watch 4 review
iPhone XS Max price and release date
The iPhone XS Max, along with the iPhone XS, pre-orders in most countries around the world are now open, and will go on sale from September 21.
It'll be available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB configurations, and it'll be Apple's most expensive phone to date – although that was expected after Apple introduced the only slightly less expensive iPhone X last year.
On average, the iPhone XS Max price is about $100 / £100 more expensive than the smaller iPhone XS, with the 64GB model priced at at $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,799 / AED4,649. The 256GB price is $1,249 / £1,249 / AU$2,049/ AED5,279 while the most expensive 512GB version will set you back $1,449 / £1,449 / AU$2,369 / AED6,129.
That makes the iPhone XS Max the most expensive 'regular' handset on the market, with only special editions such as the Huawei Porsche Design costing more.
Design
The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm, which puts it around the same size as the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, which comes in at 161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8mm. This is a big phone, and there's no way you'll be able to use it with one hand.
Interestingly, even though the iPhone XS Max is slightly heavier than the Galaxy Note 9 (208 grams vs 202 grams), in the hand it feels lighter than its rival. In other words, the iPhone XS Max looks like a big and heavy device, but you'll be pleasantly surprised when you pick it up.
Like other iPhone X models, the iPhone XS Max is basically two slabs of glass with a stainless steel frame joining them.
IPHONE XS MAX SPECS
Weight: 208g
Dimensions: 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm
OS: iOS 12
Screen size: 6.5-inch
Resolution: 2688 x 1242
CPU: A12 Bionic
Storage: 64/256/512GB
Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm
OS: iOS 12
Screen size: 6.5-inch
Resolution: 2688 x 1242
CPU: A12 Bionic
Storage: 64/256/512GB
Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Resistance: IP68
Apple claims that it has used the most durable glass ever made for a smartphone, and it felt less slippery than we expected – but it is a big glass device at the end of the day, and we recommend getting a cover for it if you're spending all that money on one.
The new iPhone XS and XS Max are now rated at IP68, which means they're water-resistant for up to two meters and 30 minutes. Apple says it has tested these new phones by submerging them in fresh water, salt water and various other liquids – including beer – to make sure they come out unharmed.
The button and port configuration on the iPhone XS Max is the same as on the smaller model, with the volume buttons and the silence switch on the left, and the power button and SIM card tray on the right.
Apple is bringing dual-SIM functionality to its iPhones for the first time, with the new handsets able to support eSIM in addition to having a nano SIM slot. eSIM means 'embedded SIM', and it's a piece of hardware which acts like a SIM card but saves you having to physically swap cards – instead you download software to the phone to change your plan or carrier.
You'll use a QR code to upgrade it, and in the future apps may be developed where you can download it from a carrier and sign up from within it - although that won't be around for a while.
The iPhone XS Max will be available in three color options: space grey and silver make a return, with a new gold version that looks pretty impressive, especially with the golden stainless steel band around it.
Screen
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The biggest draw for anyone thinking about the iPhone XS Max will be the OLED screen, and it's simply stunning on Apple's largest phone. It's gigantic at 6.5 inches, and provides quite the immersive experience, especially with movies and games – provided you can overlook the notch.
Yes, the notch is still present on the iPhone XS Max, although because of the larger screen you have more screen to the left and right of the notch than on the iPhone X.
That being said, we've been using the iPhone X for almost a year now and we don't really think about the notch anymore; you learn to live with it, and before long it just disappears into the background, although that may not be your experience initially.
Specs-wise, the OLED panel on the iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels, giving it the same density as the smaller iPhone XS at 458ppi. Apps can now work in split mode, much like they do on the Plus versions of previous iPhones.
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