Episode Summary
Executive Summary: The episode is a detailed first-impressions discussion of the iPhone X, focusing on Apple’s unusual review rollout, the shift from Touch ID to Face ID, the removal of the home button, and the device’s design and display changes. Both hosts are broadly positive, arguing that Apple’s new interactions feel natural, the screen is excellent, and the transition away from the old iPhone model is finally justified—though a full review after more time is still needed.
Main Topics: Apple’s revised review strategy (Priority: 5/5): The hosts debate Apple’s decision to seed iPhone X review units to a smaller, more diverse group, including YouTubers and non-traditional tech voices, while limiting the usual major outlets. Face ID experience and reliability (Priority: 5/5): A major portion of the conversation centers on Face ID setup, speed, reliability, edge cases like glasses and sunglasses, and how it changes the unlock workflow. Elimination of the home button and gesture model (Priority: 5/5): They discuss how the lack of a home button changes long-established iPhone habits, how quickly the new gesture system becomes intuitive, and how reachability/control center now work. Display, notch, and physical design (Priority: 4/5): The hosts compare the iPhone X’s edge-to-edge OLED display, the notch, stainless steel sides, and the smaller physical footprint versus the larger screen area. App compatibility and biometric continuity (Priority: 4/5): They note that apps using Touch ID authentication migrate seamlessly to Face ID through Apple’s biometric APIs, minimizing developer friction and user disruption. Camera, True Tone, and audio improvements (Priority: 3/5): The discussion includes the camera’s portrait mode and telephoto upgrades, True Tone’s readability benefits, and improved speaker quality on recent iPhones. Wireless charging and battery-health concerns (Priority: 3/5): They evaluate wireless charging as convenient but slow, compare charger choices, and discuss Apple’s emphasis on battery longevity and supported charging methods.
Key Arguments: Apple intentionally reset its media strategy by limiting early review access and expanding to new voices like YouTubers, which broadens reach but reduces depth among traditional reviewers. Face ID is strong enough that both hosts say it works well in practice, with failures mostly explained by attention-awareness settings, glasses placement, or obstructed views. The removal of the home button is the biggest behavioral change, but the new swipe-based interactions feel natural after some use and may become the new default habit. The notch looks awkward in screenshots, but in real use it fades into the background and is less distracting than static image criticism suggests. Apple’s biometric framework was designed broadly enough that many Touch ID-based apps automatically accept Face ID with little or no developer intervention. The iPhone X is physically smaller than expected while providing a larger display area, making it feel more pocketable than Plus models without sacrificing screen size. Wireless charging is useful as a convenience feature, but it is slower than wired fast charging, so many users will still default to cables when they need speed.
Data Points: Number of early reviewers worldwide: About 9 - Only a small group reportedly got a full week with the iPhone X before launch. Early reviewers in the U.S.: 3 - The hosts name Matthew Panzarino, Nicole Nguyen, and Lance Ulanoff as U.S.-based reviewers with early access. Traditional review-unit count previously: 30+ - They suggest Apple’s prior review approach included a much larger pool, possibly in the 30s. Embargo time: 6 a.m. Eastern - The final embargo for the iPhone X reviews lifted at 6 a.m. ET. Time between receipt and embargo: Less than 18 hours - One host received the phone around noon the day before and did not consider that enough time for a full review. Face ID reliability: Over 99% of the time - One host reports Face ID working nearly every time during first-day use. Original iPhone review team: 4 reviewers - They recall the original iPhone being reviewed by Pogue, Ed Baig, Walt Mossberg, and Steven Levy. iPhone X pre-order wait time: 4 to 6 weeks / 5 to 6 weeks - They cite Apple Store delivery estimates after launch showing strong demand. Fastest charger mentioned: 29-watt MacBook charger - Discussed as an example of a charger Apple would only support if it were safe for long-term battery health. Touch ID generations referenced: Gen 1 and Gen 2 - Used to explain how Face ID speed compares favorably with earlier fingerprint sensor generations.
Pivotal Quotes: "I felt myself that it would be irresponsible to call this a review when I've had it for less than a day." — Jim Dalrymple: He explains why he published a first look rather than a full review. "Face ID is amazing. It works over 99% of the time." — Jim Dalrymple: He describes his first-day experience with Face ID as highly reliable. "I think that for me, face ID works a hell of a lot better than what I thought it would." — Jim Dalrymple: His bottom-line assessment of the new authentication system.
Implications: The iPhone X appears to be a major platform shift that replaces a decade of touch-button habits with gesture-first interaction. If Face ID and the new UI hold up over time, Apple’s design direction will likely reshape future iPhones and adjacent devices.
About The Talk Show with John Gruber
The director’s commentary track for Daring Fireball. Long digressions on Apple, technology, design, movies, and more.