An iPhone X Plus mockup next to an iPhone X
Since the iPhone 6, iPhone flagships have come in two sizes: the standard size and a “plus” version. There’s also a less expensive mid-range iPhone SE, which retains an extremely small screen size—by current standards—of 4 inches. 2017 changed that formula. Now, there are 4 iPhone sizes: 4″ for the iPhone SE, 4.7″ for the iPhone 8, 5.5″ for the iPhone 8 Plus, and 5.8″ for the iPhone X. According to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will simplify this. In 2018, the 18:9 aspect ratio will be the standard size. Apple will have the 5.8″ iPhone X update as well as a new 6.5″ iPhone X Plus. A new leak seems to back up this claim.
The Need for an iPhone X Plus
Kuo’s prediction, an iPhone X Plus, iPhone X, and budget 6.1″ iPhone SE 2
One of my problems with the iPhone X is a lack of landscape view. Apple stretched out the iPhone display, giving far more space in landscape orientation, but the home screen and apps didn’t get dedicated landscape views, as the “Plus” model of the iPhone does. Instead, Apple made the iPhone X a tall iPhone 8. This, in my opinion, is a poor usability decision, but one Apple could rectify with a larger iPhone X.
The iPhone X design is extremely popular, and it’s clear the 16:9 screen ratio and large bezels of the iPhone 8 are a thing of the past. Simplifying Apple’s product line by offering the updated 18:9 iPhone X smartphones with two sizes to keep their Plus functionality alive just makes sense. It would be shocking if Apple continued to use the iPhone 8 design in this year’s models, and equally surprising if they don’t release a larger iPhone X update to give iPhone Plus users a phone to go to. Apple will need to simplify their lineup, and two iPhone X-like models and a budget SE model would be the best way to do this.
The Proof?
Super small hands or an iPhone X Plus?
Beyond the fact that a larger iPhone X model just makes sense for Apple’s profits, leaked photos could offer proof. Display digitizers and screens from an Apple assembly plant look to be larger than the current iPhone X.
iPhone X Plus displays packed and ready for assembly
The displays appear to be legitimate parts, and are obviously larger than the current iPhone X. We can see parts like the notch and earpiece, which prove the size of these screens is larger than the iPhone X.
The iPhone X could be redesigned to involve aluminum instead of steel to save on costs. Apple will also likely simplify their lineup to make buying an iPhone easier for customers and reduce manufacturing costs. It seems blatantly obvious that Apple will offer a larger iPhone model this year, the only question remains is: what are they going to call it? X-1 Plus? iPhone and iPhone Plus? iPhone 11? iPhone 9? Nobody seems to know what Apple’s planning to call the new devices.
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