In the early hours of the morning, a product sitemap XML file hosted on Apple's website was shared by AllThingsHow, including URL links that confirmed a handful of previous rumors surrounding the trio of 2018 iPhones and upcoming Apple Watch. Since the leaks came at a fast pace, we've rounded up all of the news in one post, so read on for all of the important details about the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and 2018 Apple Watch.
iPhone
The names "iPhone XS," "iPhone XS Max," and "iPhone XR" -- all previously rumored at some point -- were confirmed as the final product names in the sitemap data shared today. iPhone XS is the followup to last year's iPhone X, measuring in at 5.8 inches and launching in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities. You'll be able to buy the iPhone XS in Space Gray and Silver, like last year's iPhone X, and also now in Gold.
Apple is also introducing a new "Plus" style iPhone this year, but it's ditching the Plus branding for the first time since 2014 and going with "Max" in the iPhone XS Max. This 6.5-inch iPhone will be Apple's biggest smartphone yet, and come in all of the same storage and color options as its smaller counterpart.
For customers looking to spend less money, the iPhone XR will be the cheaper alternative to the iPhone XS and XS Max. The 6.1-inch model also has the widest variety of color options offered this year: Black, White, Red, Yellow, Coral, and Blue. You'll be able to buy it in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage capacities.
Here's the full 2018 iPhone lineup:
- iPhone XS/XS Max storage sizes: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB
- iPhone XS/XS Max colors: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold
- iPhone XR storage sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB
- iPhone XR colors: Black, White, Red, Yellow, Coral, and Blue
With 18 iPhone XR models and 18 iPhone XS/XS Max models, the total iPhone count for 2018 will be 36 models.
Apple Watch
In one of the biggest surprises from today's leaks, the upcoming Apple Watch models will be gaining new 40mm and 44mm case sizes. This means that the current 38mm case will increase to 40mm and the 42mm will increase to 44mm, although some links in the sitemap reveal that a few models of the existing sizes will be sticking around.
Since Apple measures the Apple Watch cases vertically, it appears that the new models will be gaining a slight bit of height this year. Although this has caused some to worry about existing bands becoming incompatible with the new Apple Watch, no rumors have yet to suggest that Apple is discontinuing legacy bands for a new style. In fact, notable Apple reporter Mark Gurman has mentioned that the 2018 Apple Watch will be compatible with existing bands numerous times over the past few months.
You'll be able to buy the 44mm Apple Watch in GPS and GPS + Cellular configurations, with the usual Silver, Space Gray, and Gold aluminum case options. For stainless steel, the sitemap also mentions Silver, Space Black, and Gold options. Bands referenced include White Sport Band, Seashell Sport Loop, Black Sport Band, Black Sport Loop, Sand Sport Band, and Sand Sport Loop.
In 40mm, there's a few Nike and Hermès options. Hermès includes an Indigo Craie Orange Double Tour band with a Stainless Steel case, and Nike has Pure Platinum Black Sport Band, Summit White Sport Loop, Anthracite Black Sport Band, and Black Sport Loop paired with various aluminum cases.
Of course, these will not be the only Apple Watches available to buy at launch, as you can expect numerous stainless steel cases outside of the Hermès line, as well as some bundles with higher-cost bands. A separate leak today also revealed the front panel for the new Apple Watch, showing off the 15 percent larger display.
Lastly for Apple Watch, the sitemap does not designate the 2018 models as "Series 4," although it keeps the "Series 3" terminology for the existing models, which Apple will keep around at a lower price point. It's unclear if this means that Apple is ditching the "Series" branding altogether this year, and if so what the new Apple Watch will be called.
AppleCare
AppleCare is always a reliable announcement alongside the newest iPhones each year, and today's leaks confirm that you'll be able to purchase the usual AppleCare+ protection plans for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. This year, AppleCare+ plans also include coverage for "theft and loss," and will be available for $399.00, as per a Best Buy leak.
Accessories
The sitemap file confirmed a handful of traditional Apple colorways will be making it to this generation of silicone and leather cases for the 2018 iPhones. You'll be able to buy a silicone case for the iPhone XS and XS Max in Black, White, Midnight Blue, (PRODUCT)Red, and Stone. In leather, the iPhone XS cases will come in (PRODUCT)Red, Taupe, and Black.
Given that the information shared was just a peek at the upcoming accessory lines, this is far from every accessory announcement that will be made later today. You can also expect leather cases for the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, as well as silicone cases for the cheaper iPhone. The sitemap also includes references to OtterBox cases for the iPhone XS and XS Max.
Missing from "Gather Round"
Amid all of the confirmed upcoming announcements from Apple sourced from the sitemap XML file, there are some notable omissions. It appears that Apple has no plans to announce a new iPad Pro at today's event. iPad Pro models with Face ID may still show up next month at an event that could also include refreshes to the MacBook Air, Mac mini, iMac, and potentially more.
Apple's long-awaited AirPower charging mat was also nowhere to be found in the sitemap data. It's been one year since Apple first revealed the AirPower at the iPhone X event in September 2017, with a promised 2018 launch date. AirPower will be able to charge all Qi-compatible iPhones, Apple Watch Series 3 and the new 2018 models, and AirPods.
If AirPower doesn't make it into the "Gather Round" event today, there's also less of a chance that Apple will introduce the revamped AirPods, which will come with a new wireless charging case aimed to be paired with AirPower.
We now have just under two hours to go until Apple finally (and officially) announces the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, new Apple Watch, and more at the "Gather Round" event in California. As usual, GeekWebGuides has you covered if you're interested in following a live blog of the event, which will be posted on our front page ahead of time, with live tweets available on the @MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
