iPhone X: Absolutely everything you need to know

In the few brief moments we spent with the new iPhone X, we got a sense of its truly game-changing potential. Since then, we've taken a close look at the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and found them to be incremental, high-quality updates to last year's models. They're safe and sensible phones that, for now, remain overshadowed by the potential of the forthcoming iPhone X. Our initial assessment: unless you need a new iPhone before the end of 2017, we think it's worth holding out to see how the iPhone X performs. (Not everyone agrees.)

We have yet to put the iPhone X fully through its paces, but our in-depth analysis will come as soon as we get our hands on a review unit. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know right now about the iPhone X.

Now Playing: Top 5 reasons to buy the Apple iPhone X

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Editors' note: This post was originally published on September 26, 2017, and continues to be updated with Apple news and features.

When can I preorder the iPhone X?

Apple will start accepting preorders on Oct. 27. at 12:01 a.m. PT (and 3:01 a.m. ET). Here's how to preorder the iPhone X.

When will I get my iPhone X?

The official release date is Nov. 3. But it sounds like the iPhone X will be in very short supply until after the new year, as Apple is reportedly making fewer than 10,000 per day. Though we expect some stores to get a limited number of them on day one, preordering may give you the best chance of getting an iPhone X in the near-term.  

• If your iPhone X comes late, Face ID might be to blame
• iPhone X production may face further delay, analyst warns
• Apple reportedly can't make enough of the iPhone X to go around
• Before your new phone arrives: Your iPhone X upgrade checklist

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iPhone X in photos

How much does the iPhone X cost?

Starting at $999/£999/AU$1,579 for the 64GB model, it's the most expensive iPhone ever. The 256GB iPhone X costs $1,149/£1,149/AU$1,829. Monthly payment plans from carriers are available, ranging from $49 to $56 for Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program which includes AppleCare+ for the 256GB model. 

• Tim Cook thinks it's worth the money
• 3 reasons you should wait for Apple's $1,000 phone
• That iPhone X is going to require some sacrifices (podcast)
• What's the cheapest carrier for the iPhone
• iPhone X widens the gap between tech haves and have-nots
• Want to upgrade to new iPhone? Unfreeze your credit

What are the iPhone X's best new features?

Apple pulled out all the stops. The iPhone X's most compelling new features and technologies include:

Face ID: unlock the phone, access Apple Pay and animate "Animojis" with your face (how it works)

• The OLED Super Retina display: the biggest screen ever on an iPhone 
• A new chip: Apple's A11 Bionic processor, which also powers the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• Camera upgrade: the iPhone's most advanced set of cameras features "Portrait Lighting," which simulates studio lighting for selfies, and "Portrait Mode" with front and back cameras
• Longer battery life than the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7, according to Apple's specs