Apple iPhone XS

The Apple iPhone XS combines a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with the Apple A12 Bionic chip, dual 12MP rear cameras, and Face ID facial recognition. Released in 2018 as the successor to the iPhone X, it retains the compact all-screen design while introducing improved processing performance, Smart HDR photography and an upgraded IP68 water resistance rating.

The dual-camera system includes a Wide camera and a Telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, both featuring optical image stabilisation. The iPhone XS also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, wireless charging and 4G LTE connectivity. Available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities with 4GB RAM, the iPhone XS features a glass front and back with a stainless steel frame. It originally launched with iOS 12 and supports major software upgrades through iOS 18.

Features

5.8-inch Super Retina OLED Display

The iPhone XS features a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 458 ppi. The OLED panel delivers deep blacks, detailed images, and high contrast. It supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, True Tone and wide colour (P3). True Tone automatically adjusts the display's colour temperature based on surrounding lighting conditions, while HDR support improves the presentation of compatible video content. The display also supports 3D Touch, allowing pressure-sensitive interactions in compatible parts of the interface. Its typical maximum brightness is 625 nits.

Apple A12 Bionic Processor

The iPhone XS is powered by Apple's A12 Bionic chip, built using a 7-nanometre manufacturing process. It features a six-core CPU, four-core GPU and an eight-core Neural Engine. The processor provides the computing power for multitasking, supported games, photography and everyday applications. The Neural Engine supports machine-learning operations used in features such as Face ID and computational photography. Although the A12 Bionic remains capable of handling compatible applications, performance in newer demanding software may differ from that of recent iPhone models.

Dual 12MP Rear Cameras with 2x Optical Zoom

The iPhone XS features a dual-camera system consisting of a 12MP Wide camera and a 12MP Telephoto camera.

• 12MP Wide Camera: Features an f/1.8 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and optical image stabilisation for clear photographs.
• 12MP Telephoto Camera: Features an f/2.4 aperture, optical image stabilisation and 2x optical zoom for capturing subjects at a narrower field of view. Both cameras support optical image stabilisation, which helps reduce blur caused by small camera movements. The iPhone XS also supports Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting and panorama photography.

Smart HDR Photography

The iPhone XS introduced Smart HDR, which uses image processing to combine information from multiple exposures. This helps preserve detail in bright highlights and darker areas of a photograph. Smart HDR works alongside the A12 Bionic chip and its image signal processor to improve exposure, colour and detail in supported shooting conditions.

Portrait Mode with Depth Control

Portrait mode on the iPhone XS uses the dual-camera system to create a depth-of-field effect, keeping the subject in focus while blurring the background. Depth Control allows the amount of background blur to be adjusted in supported portrait photographs. Portrait Lighting provides five lighting effects, including Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light and Stage Light Mono.

4K Video Recording at up to 60fps

The iPhone XS supports 4K video recording at 24, 30 and 60 frames per second. It also records 1080p Full HD video at 30fps or 60fps. Additional video features include extended dynamic range at up to 30fps, optical image stabilisation, stereo audio recording and slow-motion video at 1080p resolution with frame rates of 120fps or 240fps.

7MP TrueDepth Front Camera

The iPhone XS features a 7MP TrueDepth front camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It supports Smart HDR, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, Animoji and Memoji. The front camera can record 1080p video at 30fps or 60fps. Its TrueDepth system also includes the depth-sensing hardware used for Face ID facial authentication.

Face ID Facial Recognition

The iPhone XS uses Apple's Face ID system for biometric security. Face ID relies on the TrueDepth camera system to recognise the registered user's face. It supports unlocking the device, authenticating compatible applications and approving supported payments. The iPhone XS does not include a physical Home button or Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

64GB, 256GB and 512GB Storage Options

The iPhone XS is available in three internal storage configurations:

• 64GB internal storage with 4GB RAM
• 256GB internal storage with 4GB RAM
• 512GB internal storage with 4GB RAM

All configurations use NVMe internal storage. The phone does not support microSD cards, so its storage capacity cannot be expanded using a memory card.

4G LTE and Dual SIM Support

The iPhone XS supports Gigabit-class 4G LTE connectivity, alongside 3G and 2G technologies where available. It does not support 5G networks. International versions support Dual SIM functionality through a physical Nano-SIM and an eSIM, subject to regional and mobile operator compatibility. Customers should confirm eSIM support with their network provider before activation.

2658mAh Battery and Fast Charging

The iPhone XS has a built-in 2658mAh lithium-ion battery. Apple's original battery ratings include up to 20 hours of wireless talk time, 12 hours of internet use, 14 hours of video playback and 60 hours of audio playback. Fast wired charging is supported through the Lightning connector, with Apple rating the device for up to approximately 50% charge in 30 minutes when used with a compatible 18W or higher power adapter. Actual battery life and charging performance depend on usage, battery health and charging accessories. The battery capacity of an older or pre-owned device may be lower than the original manufacturer rating.

Qi Wireless Charging

The iPhone XS supports Qi wireless charging using compatible wireless charging pads. Its glass back allows the battery to be charged without connecting a Lightning cable. The iPhone XS does not support the MagSafe magnetic charging system introduced with later iPhone generations.

Stainless Steel and Glass Design

The iPhone XS features a glass front, glass back and stainless steel frame. It measures 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm and weighs approximately 177g. Its design retains the rounded corners, edge-to-edge display and gesture-based navigation introduced with the iPhone X. The device was released in Space Gray, Silver and Gold.

IP68 Dust and Water Resistance

The iPhone XS has an IP68 rating under IEC standard 60529, with laboratory-tested water resistance at depths of up to 2 metres for 30 minutes. Water resistance can decrease through age, wear, repairs or accidental damage. The original rating does not guarantee that a previously used or repaired device remains water-resistant.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC

The iPhone XS supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC. These technologies provide connectivity for compatible wireless networks, audio accessories and contactless services. Positioning features include GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS. The device uses a Lightning connector for wired charging and data transfer.

Stereo Speakers and Audio

The iPhone XS features stereo speakers with wider stereo sound playback compared with its predecessor. It also supports compatible Dolby Atmos audio content. There is no built-in 3.5mm headphone jack. Compatible Lightning headphones, adapters or Bluetooth audio accessories can be used instead.

iOS 18 Software Support

The iPhone XS originally launched with iOS 12 and supports major operating system upgrades through iOS 18. It does not support iOS 26 or later major versions. Apple has continued providing security updates for supported iOS 18 devices. However, some newer applications and features may require newer iPhone hardware or operating system versions. Customers planning to use specific banking, payment or business applications should check their minimum iOS requirements before choosing the iPhone XS.

Apple iPhone XS Specifications

Section	Specification	Details
Network	Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	Mobile Data	Gigabit-class 4G LTE
Launch	Announced	September 12, 2018
	Released	September 21, 2018
	Status	Discontinued
Body	Dimensions	143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 in)
	Weight	177g (6.24 oz)
	Build	Glass front, glass back, stainless steel frame
	SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM (region dependent)
	Protection	IP68 dust and water resistance (up to 2m for 30 minutes)
Display	Type	Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
	Size	5.8 inches, 84.4 cm² (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
	Resolution	1125 x 2436 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~458 ppi)
	Brightness	625 nits (typical)
	Display Features	True Tone, Wide Colour (P3), 3D Touch
	Protection	Scratch-resistant glass
Platform	Operating System	iOS 12 at launch, supports iOS 18
	Chipset	Apple A12 Bionic (7nm)
	CPU	Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
	GPU	Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
	Neural Engine	8-core Neural Engine
Memory	RAM	4GB
	Internal Storage	64GB / 256GB / 512GB
	Storage Type	NVMe
	Card Slot	No
Main Camera	Wide Camera	12MP, f/1.8, 26mm, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
	Telephoto Camera	12MP, f/2.4, 52mm, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
	Camera Features	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, Smart HDR, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, Depth Control, panorama
	Video Recording	4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps, HDR, stereo sound recording
Selfie Camera	Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2, 32mm
	Depth Sensor	TrueDepth / SL 3D depth and biometrics sensor
	Camera Features	Smart HDR, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, Animoji, Memoji
	Video Recording	1080p at 30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound	Loudspeaker	Stereo speakers
	3.5mm Headphone Jack	No
Connectivity	Wi-Fi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
	Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE
	Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
	NFC	Yes
	Radio	No
	USB	Lightning, USB 2.0
Features	Security	Face ID facial recognition
	Sensors	Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery	Type	Li-Ion, non-removable
	Capacity	2658mAh (10.13Wh)
	Wired Charging	Fast charging via USB Power Delivery, up to 50% in 30 minutes with compatible 18W or higher adapter
	Wireless Charging	Qi wireless charging
	Talk Time	Up to 20 hours (original manufacturer rating)
	Video Playback	Up to 14 hours (original manufacturer rating)
Miscellaneous	Colours	Space Gray, Silver, Gold