By Lianna Grillo
Staff Reporter
This Fall, Apple is slated to expand on its iPhone legacy with new additions.
From the iPhones 3G-7 Plus, features like Touch ID scanning to unlock the phone, sending messages with effects, a 12 megapixel camera and more have made the smartphone lines a revolutionary commercial success.
Now, Apple presents the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
Coming in two sizes, the iPhone 8 is made to be waterproof and dust resistant with wireless charging and advanced security at the user’s fingertips. Users will also be able to send and receive money via text message.
According to Apple, the iPhone X, an even more advanced model, will feature a super retina display with a 5.8-inch screen, Face ID recognition, a feature called ‘Animoji’ that lets users animate emoji characters with voice and facial recognition, and much more.
However, some Sacred Heart students are having mixed emotions about these new iPhone models.
“I have the 7 Plus and I really like it because of its camera quality. I think I am just going to stick with it, but maybe I’ll upgrade to the iPhone 8 in the near future,” said junior Ali McDonald. “The edge-to-edge screen on the iPhone X scares me. It seems dangerous.”
With the new iPhones, your face is now your phone password. Face recognition can be used to pay others, and a sensor will adapt to users’ physical changes in appearance over time, like growing or shaving a beard or even wearing sunglasses.
“That’s kind of creepy. Technology is getting insane,” says McDonald. “But the wireless charging is kind of cool since I always forget my charger, and I wouldn’t have to bring it anywhere anymore.”
According to Apple, the Face ID is supported by the ‘TrueDepth’ camera and analyzes more than 30,000 invisible dots to generate a defined figure of your face. You can also produce selfies with clear faces and blurred backgrounds.
“That’s definitely new compared to every other phone, but I do find it weird. It could cause many problems,” said senior Chris DeCicco. “Imagine you’re sleeping and someone just scans your face and can access your entire phone. Definitely weird.”
The cost of these new iPhones is playing a big part in some students’ motivation towards purchasing the devices. The iPhone 8 is starting at $699 and the iPhone X at $999.
“That’s absurd and I would never buy it for that price,” said McDonald. “I would wait until it gets old and then buy it for cheaper.”
For some college students who feel that their budget is already bad enough, they believe the new iPhone is probably not worth the price.
“I 100% think this iPhone is too costly,” said DeCicco. “Most people are not going to be able to afford it.”
Apple comes out with new products every year and is always coming out with new ways to get consumers excited about them.
“They should just stick with one new iPhone every few years,” said DeCicco.
