iphone X: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

In the few brief moments we spent with the new iPhone X, we got a sense of its truly game-changing potential. Since then, we've taken a close look at the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and found them to be incremental, high-quality updates to last year's models.  They're safe and sensible phones that, for now, remain overshadowed by the potential of the forthcoming iPhone X. Our initial assessment: unless you need a new iPhone before the end of 2017, we think it's worth holding out to see how the iPhone X performs. (Not everyone agrees.)

Making things even more interesting is the debut of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, which may prove to be compelling alternatives to the new iPhones. For now, however, the jury is out. We have yet to put the iPhone X fully through its paces, but our in-depth analysis will come as soon as we get our hands on a review unit. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about the iPhone X.

Editors' note: This post was originally published on September 26, 2017, and continues to be updated with Apple news and features.

When can I preorder the iPhone X?

Apple will start accepting preorders on Oct. 27. at 12:01 a.m. PT (and 3:01 a.m. ET). Here's how to preorder the iPhone X.

When will I get my iPhone X?

The official release date is Nov. 3. But it sounds like the iPhone X will be in very short supply until after the new year, as Apple is reportedly making fewer than 10,000 per day. Though we expect some stores to get a limited number of them on day one, preordering may give you the best chance of getting an iPhone X in the near-term.  

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How much does the iPhone X cost?

Starting at $999/£999/AU$1,579 for the 64GB model, it's the most expensive iPhone ever. The 256GB iPhone X costs $1,149/£1,149/AU$1,829. Monthly payment plans from carriers are available, ranging from $49 to $56 for Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program which includes AppleCare+ for the 256GB model. 

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What are the iPhone X's best new features?

Apple pulled out all the stops. The iPhone X's most compelling new features and technologies include:

Face ID: unlock the phone, access Apple Pay and animate "Animojis" with your face (how it works)

The OLED Super Retina display: the biggest screen ever on an iPhone 

A new chip: Apple's A11 Bionic processor, which also powers the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus

Camera upgrade: the iPhone's most advanced set of cameras features "Portrait Lighting," which simulates studio lighting for selfies, and "Portrait Mode" with front and back cameras

Longer battery life than the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7, according to Apple's specs

Should I buy an iPhone 8 now or wait for the iPhone X?

Hard to say, given that we haven't had a chance to live with the iPhone X yet. But if you need a phone right now, for now your only choice is the iPhone 8 or 8 Plus -- or one of the older models that Apple still sells: the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and the now even cheaper iPhone SE. 

iPhone X or iPhone 8: Which one should you pick?

iPhone X: Our biggest questions about the phone we don't have

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus: Worth the upgrade?

5 drawbacks of the iPhone X that will make you think twice

iPhone X: Biggest let-downs 

Forget the experts, here's what real people think

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