Apple Announces New iPhone Models With Post-Capture DOF Adjustment

Apple has announced new iPhone models, the Xs, Xs Max and iPhone XR at a press event live from the Steve Jobs Theater. They make advancements on the iPhone X, released in September last year.

For weeks the only clue we have had about these new releases is a copper circle, that looks a little like the home button. 

The release of the phones was preceded by a 'Mission Impossible' style movie of a woman rushing a briefcase to the theater in time for the launch. Revealed is their 2 billionth iOS device. 

The Apple Watch Series 4 has been released, however the star of the show for us is the new iPhone Xs, Xs Max and XR.

The design is very simple, with no home button it is completely bevel-less and made from machined stainless steel.

iPhone Xs & Xs Max Cameras

There is a new dual camera system on the back with a 12 megapixel wide camera featuring a new sensor for deeper, bigger pixels with OIS and f/1.8 and 12 megapixel f/2.4 standard camera also featuring OIS. 

On the front is a 7 megapixel RGB camera. There is a brand new feature called smart HDR, using a new A12 bionic processor in order to create zero shutter lag when taking images. Smart HDR also automatically merges the several captures taken at the touch of a button to create one stunning image. 

Apple say they have worked hard on a Bokeh mode to create a realistic effect that rivals professional cameras. There is a new adjustable depth slider post-capture enabling you to change the DOF from f/1.4 to f/16. 

Apple claim the most durable glass ever on a smartphone has been used. It has an IP68 waterproof rating, another first, making it fully submergible without needing to worry. Apple tested this in salt water, pool water and even orange juice. 

There is a super retina 5.8 inch display with 2.7 million pixels, the highest resolution iPhone yet. It claims a 60% greater dynamic range than the previous iPhone. 

Also announced is a 6.5 inch model, the iPhone Xs Max for those that crave a larger screen. Both are OLED HDR displays.

There is an 8-core A12 bionic chipset, offering up to 512GB on internal storage, that's up to 200,000 images! Apple say it is the smartest and most powerful chip in a smartphone. This allows for much more immersive and detailed gaming experiences. 

Key Features:

• 5.8 & 6.5 inch models
• Highest resolution screen yet with the most durable glass
• Waterproof to IP68
• Dual rear camera both featuring 12 megapixel lenses 
• 7 megapixel front camera
• Improved professional Bokeh mode
• New DOF slider post capture, change depth from f/1.4 to f/16
• Xs Max has the largest iPhone screen to date

Apple say they are focusing on AR, Augmented Reality, which adds graphics onto real world video for immersive experiences. You can also use it to bring images of objects into the real world, placing them in your environment. 

The iPhone Xs will start at $999 with the Xs Max starting at $1099.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR was also released, made from machined aluminium with a 1.4 million pixel display LCD screen that goes edge to edge, the most advanced LCD ever in a smartphone and Apple have called it Liquid Retina display, offering a bigger display that the iPhone 8 Plus in a smaller design. 

Haptic touch technology takes you straight to the camera from the home screen, and it has the same A12 bionic chip as the iPhone Xs and Xs Max. 

It has a single 12 megapixel wide angle camera system, the same as in the Xs and Xs Max with OIS, fast f/1.8 aperture, and truedepth technology as well as the bokeh slider post capture ability. It also has the same front camera system as the Xs and Xs Max. 

The iPhone XR is available in 6 colours with prices starting at $749.