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Six iPhone Features Creating Buzz

Forbes Technology Council
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Forbes Technology Council

The introduction of the new Apple iPhone has a lot of people excited. Apple phones are a regular draw for people, providing a solid combination apps, services and hardware to tickle users' fancy.

While the iPhone 8 has recently released, preorders are only just starting for the iPhone X, which is set to release in early November. There has been some sticker shock related to the iPhone X, however: The phone's starting price is $999 -- nearly the cost of a mid-tier laptop. So what makes this phone worth it, and what features on both phones are generating buzz?

To find out, members of Forbes Technology Council share what features or enhancements they're most excited about in the new iPhone series.

1. ARKit Platform 

The ARKit platform that is set to launch with the new Apple operating system in combination with the new iPhones provides distinct advantages. Specifically, no external hardware is necessary, and it delivers an unintrusive manner in which to use and develop AR apps. This augmented reality platform has the potential to fundamentally change the way we use and interact with our smartphones. Alexandro PandoXyrupt

2. AI Portrait Lighting 

The iPhone 8 has some pretty intriguing new software features, but I am most excited about the new Portrait Lighting features. It uses AI to analyze the contours of your face while lighting you in a multitude of dramatic and favorable ways. These aren't filters like you'll find on Instagram -- this is real-time photo analysis. This is perfect for on-the-go content creators because it's a basically a studio in your pocket. - Jeremy WilliamsVyudu Inc.

3. Edge-To-Edge Screen 

I’m most excited for the edge-to-edge screen. From a design perspective, I’m sure it’ll look great, but more importantly, it’ll allow Apple to feature a bigger screen without increasing the size of the phone's body. I want all the screen real estate I can get, but I also want my phone to be easily pocketable and light. - Vik PatelNexcess

4. Depth-Sensing Camera 

Augmented reality has finally arrived, and iPhone 8 may be that unique catalyst that will enable a widespread adoption of it for mainstream audiences. One of the core features that limits the adoption of AR is the lack of a depth camera on smartphones. This new depth-sensing camera can potentially lead to completely new user experiences, such as 3-D facial recognition and scanners. - Artur KiulianColab LA

5. Charging Alternatives 

Battery life has been mastered, but charging is still not as advanced as Apple's major competitors. Similar to other features Apple seems to lag behind in, if it can deliver on wireless charging, it will be seen as an innovation that, when bundled with others, will push consumers to stay true to the iPhone line of smartphones. - Alvaro HoyosOneLogin

6. Water Resistance

I'm excited to see how well the waterproof technology works. I've always been hesitant to bring my phone with me on kayaking trips, but if the waterproof technology works well, then I'll be looking forward to taking more pictures of my outdoor adventures.  - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
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