Updated September 2026: this was my reaction to Apple's September 2018 launch of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, which I found predictable apart from the prices. I have rewritten it as a look back at that launch and what it means for anyone buying one of these phones second hand now.
I watched the 2018 event expecting something that had not leaked. Almost every announcement had already been reported by analysts, and the only moment that woke me up was the pricing of the three iPhones. The XS looked like the previous year's iPhone X in a new colour. The A12 Bionic chip was faster, but the X's chip had already been very quick. The feature that surprised me was dual SIM support, which I had expected only on the cheaper model.
What did the 2018 iPhones actually change?
- Dual SIM: one physical SIM plus an eSIM, a first for iPhone.
- A12 Bionic: Apple's first 7nm chip, faster and more efficient than the A11.
- Three sizes and prices: the XS, the larger XS Max, and the cheaper XR with an LCD screen and a single rear camera.
- Camera processing: Smart HDR improved photos in difficult light.
Was I right that the prices were too high?
The pricing was a jump, particularly in India, where import duties pushed the XS Max well above what most buyers expected to pay for a phone. The market's answer is instructive: the cheaper XR went on to sell very strongly, which suggests many buyers reached the same conclusion I did and chose the model that shared the flagship chip for less money.
Should you buy an iPhone XS or XR today?
Generally no, unless it is almost free. These models no longer receive the newest iOS versions, which means some apps will eventually stop supporting them, and security fixes become less certain over time. Batteries in phones this old are likely to be worn. Check Apple's current support list before buying any older iPhone second hand.
What is the lesson from a predictable launch?
When every feature leaks in advance, judge the phone on price and how long it will be supported, not on the event. A phone you keep for four or five years is better value than a new model bought for a feature you will rarely use.