No, the iPhone X is no longer available directly from Apple. The iPhone X was released in November 2017 and discontinued in September 2018 when Apple introduced the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.
When was the iPhone X released and discontinued?
The iPhone X was first released on November 3, 2017. It represented a major redesign for the iPhone, with an edge-to-edge OLED display and no home button. Apple positioned it as a premium device above the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.
Apple discontinued the iPhone X in September 2018, after approximately 10 months on the market. It was effectively replaced by the iPhone XS, which had a very similar design and specifications.
What iPhone models replaced the iPhone X?
In September 2018, Apple introduced three new iPhones to replace the iPhone X:
- iPhone XS – The direct successor to the iPhone X, with the same 5.8-inch size but updated internals.
- iPhone XS Max – A larger 6.5-inch version of the iPhone XS.
- iPhone XR – A more affordable 6.1-inch model with an LCD display.
The iPhone XS and XS Max were the new high-end flagships, starting at $999 and $1,099 respectively. The iPhone XR slotted in as the new entry-level model at $749.
Why did Apple discontinue the iPhone X?
There are a few reasons why Apple likely discontinued the iPhone X after only one year:
- The newer iPhone XS fully replaced it as the flagship 5.8-inch iPhone. The XS improved on the X with a faster processor and other internal upgrades.
- The iPhone XR provided a more affordable 6.1-inch LCD alternative to the pricier OLED iPhones.
- Discontinuing the iPhone X allowed Apple to streamline its lineup and shift the entry-level price point down with the XR.
- After 10 months on the market, iPhone X sales were likely already slowing down, making room for the next wave of devices.
Can you still buy an iPhone X?
While Apple no longer sells the iPhone X, you can still find it new or refurbished from some third-party retailers. However, availability is very limited at this point given that the phone launched nearly 5 years ago.
Here are a few places you may still be able to find an iPhone X for sale:
- Third-party electronics retailers like Best Buy or Walmart – Limited stock of new/refurbished models.
- Online retailers like Amazon – Again, very limited availability.
- Cell phone carriers like Verizon or AT&T – They may still have some refurbished models in stock.
- Apple refurbished store – Apple sells refurbished iPhones, but the X is no longer available there.
- Second-hand sites like eBay or Craigslist – Used iPhone X models can still be found here.
Keep in mind that buying an iPhone X in 2023 means you’ll be getting a 5-year old device, so its battery health and performance may not be great. The phone is also limited to iOS 15 and will not get any later software updates.
How does the iPhone X compare to new iPhone models today?
The iPhone X is now several generations behind Apple’s latest iPhones. Here’s a brief comparison between the iPhone X and new 2023 models:
| iPhone X | iPhone 14 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2022 |
| Display | 5.8″ OLED 2436 x 1125 pixels |
6.1″ OLED 2556 x 1179 pixels |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64/256GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto |
| Face ID | First generation | Fourth generation |
| Water Resistance | IP67 rated | IP68 rated |
| Battery Life | Good | Excellent |
| Price at Launch | $999+ | $999+ |
As you can see, the iPhone 14 Pro outperforms the iPhone X by a significant margin in nearly every category – it has a much more advanced processor, improved cameras and sensors, additional RAM and storage options, and longer battery life. The only area where the X is still decent is its OLED display, but the 14 Pro’s screen is noticeably better in brightness, resolution, and refresh rate.
Should I buy an iPhone X in 2023?
Here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about buying an iPhone X in 2023:
Pros:
- Less expensive than current iPhones – can find under $200 used in good condition.
- Still has a decent OLED display and overall design.
- Good for basic use if you don’t need advanced features.
- Runs up to iOS 15, so app support is still decent.
Cons:
- Very outdated compared to new iPhones – old processor, less RAM and storage.
- Limited to iOS 15 – won’t get full app support for much longer.
- Used/refurbished models may have battery issues.
- No 5G connectivity.
- Will feel very slow compared to modern iPhones.
Overall, while the iPhone X may seem attractive for its low used prices, its outdated hardware and software make it hard to recommend in 2023, even for budget-minded shoppers. You’ll likely have a better experience looking at newer refurbished models like the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, or iPhone SE 3.
Conclusion
The iPhone X represented a major milestone for Apple when it launched in 2017 with its nearly all-screen design. However, as a first-generation device, it had a short shelf life and was discontinued after only 10 months once the more advanced iPhone XS arrived.
In 2023, the iPhone X is now five generations behind Apple’s latest phones. While you can still find it new or used from some retailers, its dated processor, cameras, and lack of updates make it hard to recommend buying one so many years after its release. For most consumers, even a budget newer iPhone will be a better value.
The iPhone X’s all-screen design and OLED display paved the way for the smartphones we have today. But as an early adopter device, its specifications and capability to run the latest apps and features have simply been outpaced by the rapid pace of iPhone advancement over the last 5 years.
