The Apple iPhone X is perhaps the most significant new Apple handset to launch since the first iPhone arrived in 2007. Nonetheless, despite mostly great reviews, Cupertino's latest flagship device does have some annoyances, both on the hardware and software side.
In this article, I'll highlight seven things that bother me about the new handset and what Apple can do to eliminate them, either with a software update or on a future iPhone.
Hardware
Apple won't change the hardware on the iPhone X. Instead, it will eventually release a new iPhone in 2018 that builds on what worked (and didn't work) on the current model. Therefore, consider each of these hardware annoyances as an early wish list for the iPhone X's successor.
1. Make an Even Bigger Screen
Like my waistline, it seems smartphone screen sizes have gotten larger with each passing year. The first iPhone had a 3.5-inch screen. Three years later, the first 4-inch Apple handset arrived. By 2014, Apple introduced its first iPhone Plus model, which included a 5.5-inch display.
The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch screen. However, the removal of the smartphone's bezels on this iPhone model means that the device is smaller than Plus models even though the display is slightly bigger.
In a society that thinks bigger is usually better, I would expect we'll be seeing a bigger bezel-less iPhone in the new year. And I'll make a very early prediction: the 2018 iPhone with the biggest screen will fast become the most popular. Sorry, iPad mini.
2. Modify, Not Replace, the Notch
I have to admit it; I love the so-called sensor notch found on the iPhone X. Between the time Apple announced the handset in September and when it launched in November, there was much debate about this "odd design choice." It seems most are now embracing the notch, although there's room for improvement.
If there's one thing I'd like to see changed about the notch, it's the color. The black notch looks fine when you're using the phone vertically. However, it's a different story when the iPhone X is horizontal. It's been my experience the placement of the notch is most noticeable when you're watching a video in this position.
In the perfect world, I'd love to see Apple introduce a notch on future iPhones that changes its look based on the content you're viewing. I have no idea whether this would be possible. However, we're talking about Apple here, a company known for thinking differently.
3. Yes, Glass Breaks, But...
The first thing many people notice about the iPhone X is its premium price. Available for $999 for the least expensive model, the iPhone X is the most expensive Apple handset ever produced.
At that price point, you'd figure the iPhone X would at least be a little bit more durable than past models, no? Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
The iPhone X is the first iPhone in years made of glass, making it the "most breakable iPhone ever."
I would never suggest you use a smartphone without a case. Nonetheless, short of dropping it on concrete, your device should survive a minor drop without one. Therefore, now that iPhones are water and dust resistant, it's time for Apple to spend some of its research and development budgets to make its handsets stronger.
4. Color Me Beautiful
One final hardware change I'd like Apple to make on future iPhones is upping the number of color choices. Don't get me wrong, the iPhone X looks gorgeous with both silver and space gray. However, here's hoping Apple adds more color choices, eventually.
Perhaps they should start by adding a rose gold, jet black, and Product (RED) version, no?
Software
When it comes to software, an update here and there could make the iPhone X even better by removing the following annoyances.
5. The Missing Battery Percentage
Thanks to the previously mentioned notch, Apple was forced to move the battery percentage from the phone's main screen. Instead, there's a battery icon that's difficult to read.
If you want to see the battery percentage as a number on the iPhone X, you must now check the Control Center panel, which requires an additional step.
Hopefully, Apple will figure out a way to change this in a future iOS 11.X software release. The best solution might be to give us a choice on whether to view the battery percentage or icon on the main screen.
6. More Wallpapers, Please
The iPhone X includes a breathtaking all-screen OLED Super Retina HD display featuring a 2436 x 1125 resolution at 458 PPI. To show all that's awesome about this display, Apple has introduced a few new wallpapers. Unfortunately, early on it's difficult to find many third-party wallpaper developers doing the same.
I have always thought Apple was the best at making wallpapers for its devices. That opinion has only grown with the introduction of the iPhone X.
Hopefully, Apple continues to add new wallpapers for the iPhone X with upcoming software updates.
7. Animoji Is Fun, But...
The iPhone X's 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera has allowed Apple to introduce a new unlocking tool called Face ID. This feature is also the secret sauce behind one the device's most popular features, Animoji.
These animated emoji react to the user's facial expressions as you can see below:
Animoji adds a great new option for text messaging, and each of the initial 12 Animoji characters is unique. However, there are limitations.
First, Apple will eventually need to increase the number of characters available or allow third-party developers to create some. Also, recorded Animoji clips are limited to 10 seconds, which isn't enough time in my book.
Animoji is a great addition, and I'm not discounting the technology that was required to bring the feature to life. Now that it's here, however, Apple needs to make it better. I trust they will in time.
The iPhone X of Tomorrow
Even with these annoyances, I haven't suffered even a hint of buyer's remorse when it comes to my iPhone X. The handset is perhaps the best Apple has ever created and certainly one the best mobile devices ever developed. I can't wait to see what improvements Apple makes to the handsets in 2018.
Do you own an iPhone X? What things don't you like about it? Let us know below.