iPhone XC REVEALED – all the release date, specs, features and price rumours before Apple’s event tonight
CHEAP Apple smartphones are a rare thing, but the rumoured iPhone XC could be just that.
Here's an easy-to-chew guide on the budget-friendly phone tipped to launch at tonight's Apple event – read on for details on the iPhone XC release date, specs, features, price and more.
iPhone XC – what is it?
For months, leaks and rumours have suggested Apple is working on a cheaper iPhone model for 2018.
Last year's cheapest iPhone cost £699 for the base model – but a sequel could cost £599, according to experts.
Now a new leak from China appears to reveal the product's name: iPhone XC.
A leaked presentation slide from phone network China Mobile has turned up on China's social network, as spotted by tech blog .
The slide mentions three iPhone names, two of which we've already heard about – the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Plus.
But the third is listed as iPhone XC, and is described as having a 6.1-inch LCD screen.
This phone was previously rumoured as the iPhone 9, but it seems Apple may have settled on another name entirely.
iPhone XC release date – when is it out?
Apple is hosting a major iPhone launch event at its new Apple Park campus in California this week.
It's set to take place on Wednesday, September 12, at 10am local time – or 6pm UK time.
We're expecting three new iPhones, but it's unlikely they'll go on sale immediately.
Instead, it's likely that you'll be able to pre-order the phones from Friday, September 14.
Following that, we'll probably see the phones turn up in stores (and delivered to customers) from September 21 onwards.
iPhone XC design, specs, features – what's new?
For years, the design of the iPhone didn't really change.
But last year, Apple introduced the iPhone X, a powerful £999 smartphone with a brand new look.
Apple filled almost all of the phone's front with screen – save for a small "notch" at the top, to house the selfie camera.
This meant Apple was forced to ditch the Home button, and the fingerprint sensor too. A new Face ID facial recognition system was added for unlocking purpose instead.
Alongside the iPhone X, Apple also announced the more traditional looking iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
But for 2018, Apple is tipped to use the new iPhone X design on all three models.
That means even the cheaper iPhone XC should get the swanky all-screen design. The caveat is that the phone is likely to use a cheaper LCD display, rather than the premium OLED screen expected on the more expensive models.
The other big change is that Apple is probably going to upgrade its new phones with the latest iOS 12 mobile software.
This will include loads of new features, including an app usage tracker and new animated Memoji emoji that look like you.
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iPhone XC price – how much will it cost?
The China Mobile leak lists the price of the phone as being 5,888 Chinese Yuan.
That works out as £663.43 with a direct currency conversion.
However, the more likely price – according to analysts – is £599, which would be a £100 price cut on last year's iPhone 8.
The pricier iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max / Plus are expected to cost £899 and £999 respectively.
Of course, Apple hasn't actually confirmed any details about its next smartphones, so take all leaks and rumours with a pinch of salt for now.
We've asked Apple for comment and will update this story with any response.
Would you be interested in a cheaper iPhone, or would you rather fork out for a more premium top model?
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