The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- John Furner
Apple is gearing up to launch its new iOS 17, which will unleash loads of new features to the iPhone – but the update will cut some models’ values by 50 percent.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone X, released in 2017, will not support the upcoming operating system – and tech experts are urging users to sell or trade in devices before September.
Trade-in value for a mint condition iPhone X is currently around $190, while the iPhone 8 is $90 and $152 for the iPhone 8 Plus.
When iOS 16 dropped last year, the iPhone 7 Plus went from $138 in June 2022 to $80, while the iPhone 6S Plus went from $94 to $47.
Trade-in value for a mint condition iPhone X (pictured) is currently around $190
Apple’s iPhone X cost $999 in 2017 and was the tech giant’s ten-year anniversary smartphone.
The smartphone was the first to ditch Touch ID for Facial ID, marking a new era of iPhones.
The device – called ‘the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone’ – boasts more advanced features than the iPhone 8 family that was announced simultaneously.
iPhone X features a glass front and back, a band around the edge made from surgical-grade stainless steel, and an edgeless display – all of which was never before seen in Apple phones.
The iPhone X also includes the first Apple OLED display called the ‘super retina display’ that, on the diagonal, is 5.8 inches.
The anniversary smartphone outshined the flagship devices, but the iPhone 8 was still a fan favorite – at the time.
Apple reported selling 86.3 million iPhone 8 and 8 Plus worldwide, making them one of the best-selling smartphones ever.
While the iPhone 8 is $90 and $152 for the iPhone 8 Plus.
The new iPhone X (center), pictured among the iPhone 8 (right) and iPhone 8 Plus (left)
However, the pair were discontinued in February 2020.
Apple released the iPhone SE that year, which was essentially an upgraded iPhone.
And now it seems the end of the line has come for both the iPhone X and iPhone 8.
A report from SellCell states that the smartphones’ values are likely to drop by up to 50 percent and open owners up to a range of security risks.
‘Neither the iPhone X or the iPhone 8 will receive the iOS 17 update, which means the phones won’t get security updates either,’ the report reads.
‘Owners and their data are more at risk of attack by people with malicious intent, like hackers, for example.
One new iOS 17 feature aims to make life easier is ‘NameDrop’ which lets users easily share contact information by tapping their devices with someone else’s
‘These models will become obsolete once the new iOS version rolls out to the public.’
The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will be the oldest devices to support iOS 17.
The new updates with iOS 17 promise to be expansive, with a raft of new security features, including improvements to Safari Private Browsing and Apple’s child safety protections and more aesthetic and usability improvements.
The new operating system will have design-driven contact cards for you and the people in your address book and a ‘StandBy’ mode that effectively turns your iPhone into a desk or nightstand clock as it charges — with customizable quick info on display.
iOS 17 also features keyboard updates – and one that improves autocorrect.
Many users have complained that their words are autocorrected incorrectly, but the new system adds a new language model that has a more accessible shortcut to go back to the original word if the system gets it wrong.
And now, dictation also uses a new AI-powered model.
Another feature that aims to make life easier is the new ‘NameDrop’ that lets users easily share contact information by tapping their devices with someone else’s.
Users can create their own posters that will appear on someone else’s display when they call.
These can include your best selfie or unique emoji – anything that represents who you are.
