What to Do If Your iPhone XR Is Stuck on The Apple Logo?
5-year smartphone engineer, with rich experience in iOS software issues. He presents the most actionable solutions for readers in the most easy-to-understand manner.
iPhone XR, introduced by Apple in September 2018, has been the favorite of many due to its fast CPU, excellent battery life and favorable pricing. If you are one of those iPhone XR users, you may get a great headache when your iPhone XR suddenly gets stuck on the Apple logo.
Want to know why this has happened, and how to solve it?
Well, as an iPhone expert, I have got everything you need covered in this article about your iPhone XR white Apple logo issue. Let’s get rolling！
iPhone XR stuck on the white Apple logo screen of death
Why is my iPhone XR stuck on the Apple logo?
The reasons can be many. Here are the most common ones.
Jailbreaking
When you jailbreak your phone, you give up the security offered by Apple. Unofficial apps are not verified by the Apple App Store and therefore pose a security risk to your device. You no longer receive iOS updates or security updates from Apple, which once installed can clean malware and fix bugs automatically, hence the white Apple logo issue.
Low storage
Your iPhone storage matters a lot to keep your iOS device stable and running. When you operate multiple apps, especially when you power on your iPhone, it needs space to fully load the operating system. Low storage space stops your iOS from running properly. As a result, your iPhone fails to boot past the Apple logo.
Interrupted data transfer, update or restore
When transferring data from your iPhone to your Mac or PC, or trying to update or restore your iPhone with iTunes, you may use incompatible unofficial cables, which can interrupt the process and your iPhone XR gets stuck on the Apple logo.
Update error
Newer iOS versions are rich in graphics and features, requiring more advanced CPU and RAM to run smoothly. iPhone XR, as an old iPhone model, may not fully support the latest iOS 15.5.
System crashes
Sometimes when you use an outdated version of iOS on your iPhone XR, it crashes and prevents the iPhone from properly loading. Or the apps on your iPhone XR are conflicting against each other. System crash is usually the most common reason behind the Apple logo screen of death.
Running iOS 15.5 beta version
Apple’s iOS 15.5 beta is incomplete software. Such pre-release software is notorious for having flaws and poor performance. There have been iPhone users who claim that when they installed the iOS 15.5 beta version on their iOS device, they faced various issues like Wi-Fi connectivity issues, Face ID problems, and the iPhone XR stuck on the Apple logo.
Hardware damage
Sometimes your iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo when you drop your device on the floor, or if it is immersed in water. Its internal hardware components like brackets or adhesives can get damaged. Especially when your iPhone is damaged due to water, its battery terminal gets rusty and fails to pass the proper current that is required to turn on.
Now, you must be wondering how to fix your iPhone XR when it hangs on the Apple logo. Well, below, you will find 6 most effective tips.
Force restart
A force restart acts as a simple yet useful troubleshooter. It abruptly shuts down all the apps running in your iPhone XR. When you force restart your iPhone, it refreshes your device by cleaning the primary storage. Nothing is removed from the secondary storage. Your data will be safe.
Force restart iPhone XR
- Press and hold the volume up button for a few seconds, then press and hold the volume down button for a few seconds.
- When the Apple logo appears, press and hold the side/power button, then release.
Force restart an iPhone XR
Now, wait for a while until your iPhone restarts. If your iPhone XR turns on, be noted that it’s probably only temporary. Skip to know what to do then. Otherwise, read on.
Fix with Mobitrix Perfix
Mobitrix Prefix is a professional iOS repair software tool specially designed to fix various problems on iPhones and iPads. This method is much easier and more effective. It requires a computer with an internet connection. You can connect your iPhone XR to your Mac or PC to get your iPhone fixed. If you have all these things, here is what to do next.
- First, download the Mobitrix PerfixMobitrix Perfix software and run it on your PC after the installation.
- Now connect your iPhone XR with your computer using a USB cable.
- A window will appear. Here you will find the type of issue and click on Fix Now.
- Now click on Standard repair.
Standard repair of Mobitrix Perfix
It only takes 30 minutes to fix the Apple logo stuck issue and any other bugs on your iPhone. This tool is also super newbie friendly, requiring zero tech knowledge. It has a nearly 100% success rate too. Plus, you don ;t lose any data.
Factory reset iPhone XR via iCloud
You can also try to fix your iPhone via iCloud, by wiping out all its data and settings. But this method comes with certain requirements. You need to have your Find My enabled beforehand. Also, you need to have your Apple email ID and its password. If you have both, you can easily restore your iPhone to its working condition.
Here are the steps
- Go to https://www.iCloud.com/find
- Click “Find my iPhone” and enter your Apple ID.
- Select your iPhone from the All Devices list and tab Erase iPhone. Then, all the data on your iPhone will be erased.
Note: A factory reset erases all your data and brings your iPhone back to its factory settings. So it’s always recommended to create your iPhone backup first.
Update/restore/reinstall iOS with iTunes via recovery mode.
Recovery mode is a special built-in repair mode in an iPhone. It can restore your iPhone XR ;s functionality when it goes faulty. You need to connect your iPhone XR with a computer. Also, make sure that you have installed the latest version of iTunes on your Mac or PC. If you use Mac running macOS Catalina or after, then update your Mac and then open Finder instead.
Here are the steps.
- First, connect your iPhone XR with your PC using an original USB or lightning cable.
- When it is connected, press and hold the volume up button for a few seconds, then press and hold the volume down button for a few seconds. Press and hold the side/power button. Don ;t release until the Apple logo appears and you see that your iPhone XR has entered recovery mode.
- Now open iTunes. Here you will find an Update or Restore option.
- If you want to update your iOS, select Update, and if you want to restore it, click on the Restore option. However, clicking on Update will not erase your data, while the Restore option removes everything from the device.
DFU restore
Putting your iPhone XR in DFU mode and restoring it is the last resort, if your iPhone XR is still stuck on the Apple logo. It is a restore option that overwrites incomplete software and firmware with a new code.
Connect your iPhone XR to a computer using an Apple-approved USB cable. Then follow this DFU guide to finish the necessary steps.
Contact Apple
If you have tried all the methods above and still can ;t fix your issue, It’s time to contact Apple support. Apple should cover repairs for free, as long as your iPhone XR is within warranty.
You can find support via using @AppleSupport. If that doesn’t help, you can speak directly to an Apple support via Support communities or by Phone.
What to do after you ;ve fixed your iPhone XR?
If you have recovered your iPhone XR, you must do the following to avoid this problem again.
Clean storage
Low storage can get your iPhone X stuck and can ;t turn on easily. Make sure you clean your iPhone storage regularly.
Clean your iPhone XR storage
Update apps
If you keep your iOS and its apps updated, it would act as an antivirus against malware and glitches. Because developers always try to make changes in the apps to keep malware away.
If your iPhone XR is stuck on the Apple logo, this article will serve as a comprehensive repair guide for you. I ;ve discussed various approaches to resolving this problem, including force restart, iTunes and Mobitrix Perfix.
Force restart is simple, but doesn ;t always fix the problem. Using iTunes is a bit complicated, especially when you go for a DFU restore.
So, if you want to fix your phone in a very short time without losing data, try Mobitrix Perfix. It is easy to run, and only takes 30 minutes to fix any iPhone XR bugs. You don’t have to be technical to use it.
iPhone XR Colors: Which color is best for you in 2022
Offering the same cutting edge internals as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, the iPhone XR is noted for its colorful selection and less expensive price. Featuring a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, the iPhone XR comes in six gorgeous colors, each slightly more unique than the last. Need some help deciding which hue to get your iPhone XR in? Let’s take a look at everything being offered.
Iconic, for a cause
You can’t go wrong with our top pick, which features the incredible (PRODUCT)RED hue found on other Apple products over the years. Every purchase of this model contributes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. By choosing this one, you can show your coolness and help save the world too.
Traditional, beautiful
Understated, white has always been a popular choice for many iPhone buyers. It’s clean, simple, and looks good with just about anything. If you ever want to add some flair, you can always buy a colorful case.
As basic as it gets
Like the white version, the black iPhone XR offers a basic color.- not that this is a bad thing. Since the first iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has always provided a black version which suggests this is still a popular choice with the masses and perhaps with you too.
Light and airy
Blue isn’t a color Apple uses for its products all that often. Therefore, if you like the light blue look here, grab it before Apple moves onto something different. You’ll be happy you did.
Certainly not for everyone, the bright yellow iPhone XR has been designed to get attention. Like the blue model, it’s a rare choice for Apple, so keep this in mind.
It’s always summer with this model around
Your surroundings will always be warmer if you choose the iPhone XR in coral. This model is also one that will turn a few heads if you like that sort of thing!
(PRODUCT)RED is our favorite
Traditionally, Apple has released a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone version mid-year. However, when it came time to release the iPhone XR, it didn’t wait. Like the other five colors, the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone XR was released on Day 1. Bold and powerful, this is the iPhone XR you should get if you want to make a statement and also feel awesome about your purchase. Proceeds benefit the Global Fund, which fights AIDS.
For those who dedicate their lives to fight for causes, you can’t go wrong with the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone XR.
White is pure like winter snow
Sleek is a great word to describe the iPhone XR in white. Perhaps the least flashy of the iPhone XR models, the white version still packs a punch even without drawing too much attention to itself. Other colors will come and go as styles change. White, however, is a timeless choice.
Snow White would pick these iPhone XR models. Wouldn’t she?
Black is gorgeous and electric
The iPhone XR in black is the most subdued iPhone XR version you can purchase. Like the white model, this color is always a popular choice for mobile devices for many precisely because it isn’t flashy. When you can’t make an iPhone XR choice based on color, this is the model you should get.
Black is a bold, compelling choice for an otherwise showy Apple handset.
Blue is sky fresh
The blue iPhone XR will remind many of springtime when the colors of the world are starting to pop for another year. powder blue than traditional blue, the iPhone XR in blue is a terrific choice if you want a handset that stands out, but not as much as perhaps the yellow and coral versions.
Call it sky blue or light blue; this choice might be the iPhone XR for you.
Yellow is bright and likes standing out
Understated is not a word to describe the iPhone XR in yellow. It’s bold, brash, and ready to make an entrance wherever it’s carried. Too bold for your tastes? There are five other choices from which to decide!
This iPhone XR model screams energy and excitement. Are you game?
Coral is earthy and unique
If you really want to stand out, you can’t go wrong with the iPhone XR in coral. Not as iconic as the (PRODUCT)RED model or as flashy as the one in yellow, the coral model is breathtakingly beautiful in a fun way that’s new for Apple.
Call it burnt red or light red and get ready to turn some heads with this model.
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Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently i’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.
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iPhone XR Is Stuck on Apple Logo Screen? Here Are Fixes!
I recently updated my iPhone XR to the newest iOS version. Now the phone is stuck on the Apple logo and the progress bar on the screen won’t move. I have rebooted several times, nothing happens. Is there any way to go pass the Apple logo and get it back to normal without the loss of my data?
iPhone XR is great, but it’s never an entirely perfect device. Sometimes it may suddenly stop working properly because of failed software update, misbehaving app or hardware related problem. If you have landed to this article, you will want to fix the iPhone XR stuck on Apple logo screen error and get your phone working again.
Never fear, an iPhone XR that is frozen on Apple logo (with loading bar) can be easily fixed. Here we’ve put together 4 simple and effective options on how to fix the problem before you bring your device to an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider to have it inspected.
Why is iPhone stuck on the Apple logo
The problem of your iPhone XR gets stuck on Apple logo (and a progress bar) could appear while upgrading to a new version of iOS, when putting the phone into the charger, or after restore from iTunes. In almost all the cases, you’re experiencing a software related issue. Sometimes it could also be a hardware damage inside the device that causes the problem.
In this article, we will FOCUS on troubleshooting for a software crash. If there is a damage of internal component on iPhone XR that gets stuck on the Apple logo and does not turn on, you best bet is to have it repaired by professional.
Force restart the iPhone XR
Sometimes unknown glitches can cause an iPhone XR to get stuck on black screen with white Apple logo, or stuck on Apple logo white screen. An easy way to resolve it is to force restart the device. It’s pretty simple process to do this and won’t erase your data. First, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. (Don’t release the button when the screen goes black and wait iPhone XR shuts down and reboots)
Note: You may need to try force-restarting your iPhone XR a few time to fix the issue.
If you see the iPhone XR go back to Apple logo loop again after the force restart, you will want to connect to a computer and put the device into recovery mode to update or restore it through iTunes.
Put iPhone XR into recovery mode
Apple feels your pain — software glitch can make your device not working properly every now and then and a simple restart won’t fix the problem — and introduce a recovery mode to help you deal with issues, including iPhone XR stuck on the Apple logo and will not restart, to get it back in working order.
Before you proceed, ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. If your iPhone XR is stuck on Apple logo because of restoring from a backup or migrating from a previous device, make sure the progress bar on the screen hasn’t moved for at least one hour.
To use recovery mode to fix iPhone XR stuck on Apple logo screen, do the following:
- Connect the iPhone XR to computer, and open iTunes or Finder (macOS 10.15 or above).
- Press and release the Volume up button. Press and release the Volume down button. Press and hold the Side button for about 10 seconds until you see the recovery mode screen.
- When prompted to Update or Restore the phone in iTunes window, click Update. This tries to resolve the problem by reinstalling the iOS on your device without erasing your data.
If Update fails, repeat the procedure from beginning and this time click Restore. This will wipe everything on the phone (!) and do a full restore.
Get The iPhone iPhone could not be updated. An unknown error occurred. (14) messages when updating your iPhone? Check Apple’s support article: iOS update and restore errors.
If the recovery mode outlined here doesn’t fix iPhone XR stuck on Apple logo, the next step is go with professional system repair tool.
Use iOS system repair program
There is a variety of system repair software out there that claims to make fixing iPhone XR stuck on a loop with the Apple logo automatic. If you’re looking for something simple and efficient, iOS System Recovery is all you need. The tool requires little interaction or thought on the part of the user, helping you identify any software errors with iOS system and resolve it automatically. It works well on both Windows and Mac computer. Best of all, it won’t touch any data on the phone.
Here is how you can use iOS System Recovery to diagnose and resolve the Apple logo stuck problem on iPhone XR device.
Step 1: Run the tool and connect your device
Open up iOS System Recovery, you will get its main interface that’s easy to navigate.
Click tools at the bottom left corner, you’re then presented with three options. iPhone Data Recovery, iOS System Recovery and iOS Data Backup Restore.
In our case, select iOS System Recovery option to go on.
Step 2: Select repair mode
In the next opening window, click Start to move onto the next step.
Next, you can make a decision what repair type to select to optimize your device: one is Standard Mode (recommended) and the other is Advanced Mode. While the former works in most of cases and it won’t lose any data on the device, the latter option will help you repair more severe problems.
It’s important to note that performing Advanced Mode will erase everything on your phone and return the device to a factory fresh state. Be cautious.
Step 3: Download iOS firmware
Next, select an appropriate iOS firmware you want from the list and click Download button, followed by Next.
Step 4: Fix Apple logo issue on iPhone XR
When you’re happy with your selection, click the Fix button to begin fixing the device.
The process may take a few minutes. Once it’s done, your iPhone XR should reboot and back to normal.
Perform a DFU restore
If your iPhone XR continues to freeze in loop with the Apple logo flashing on and off, as a last resort, you may want to consider restoring your iPhone XR from DFU mode to reslove this issue.
Important: This is a friendly reminder that doing a DFU restore will wipe out all your data and settings on your iPhone XR. It’s recommended that you connect to computer and make a full backup if it can be recognized by iTunes or Finder before proceeding.
To restore from DFU mode, do the following:
- Plug the device into the computer, and open the Finder or iTunes. (Make sure you’re running the latest version)
- Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black. Hold the Side and Volume Down buttons for five seconds. then let go of the Side button but continue holding Volume Down until iTunes says it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode and asks to restore it.
- If the screen has stayed black, then you’re in DFU mode. Follow the on-screen instructions in iTunes and restore your iPhone XR.
Note: You may have to take a few tries to get into DFU mode as it is difficult to get into.
Hardware repair
After going through the all options above, if your iPhone XR still keeps showing Apple logo on the screen, there may well be a hardware problem. Several parts can result in the problem when they malfunction. The most likely ones to be at fault is the screen, logic board or processor.
We suggest making an appointment at your local Apple Store and get help from an Apple expert (make sure you know what repair options are covered under warranty), or take your phone to a nearby service provider that Apple trusts with support to have it inspected. If your warranty has long expired, you’d probably have to pay for the repair or replacement of that hardware component.
Getting a frozen Apple logo screen on iPhone XR can be a frustrating experience, but there is a lot you can do to fix the problem before contacting tech support from professional. Hopefully, one of these troubleshooting tricks above can get your iPhone XR working again.
Why is iPhone 8 Plus Stuck on Black Screen
Apple‘s lower-cost prior-generation 2018 iPhone, starting at 499.
At a Glance
- Apple’s 499 iPhone XR from 2018 is a budget alternative to Apple’s latest lineup, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD, a 12-megapixel single-lens rear camera, and an A12 chip.
Specs
- Edge-to-edge display with Face ID
- Glass body with aluminum frame
- 12-megapixel rear camera
- A12 Bionic chip
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Six color options
- Now discontinued
Contents
- RAM and Storage Space
- TrueDepth Camera Specs
- Animoji and Memoji
- Wireless Charging
- Dual-SIM Support
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- GPS and NFC
The iPhone XR, introduced on September 12, 2018, was sold alongside more expensive iPhones up until 2021, when it was discontinued by Apple. The iPhone XR is no longer available and it has been replaced by the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 models.
The iPhone XR features a precision-machined 7000 Series aerospace-grade aluminum frame that wraps around an all-glass enclosure with the same durable glass used in the more expensive iPhone XS. Apple designed the iPhone XR in six colors: white, black, blue, coral, yellow, and (PRODUCT)RED.
With the glass body, Qi-based wireless charging is supported, and the device features IP67 water resistance for keeping it safe from splashes and spills. iPhone XR features a larger display than the previous-generation iPhone 8 Plus, but in a smaller body that falls between the 5.8-inch iPhone XS and the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max it was introduced alongside.
Apple designed a new Liquid Retina display for the iPhone XR, which is a 6.1-inch LCD with a 1792 x 828 resolution that spans from edge-to-edge and top to bottom with minimal bezels. As with the iPhone XS, there is no Home button on the iPhone XR and it adopts the swipe-based navigation system introduced in the iPhone X.
Apple called the Liquid Retina display the most advanced LCD ever in a smartphone with support for 120Hz touch sensing, Tap to Wake, and wide color. It supports True Tone to match the white balance of the display to the ambient lighting in the room, and Apple says it has impressive color accuracy.
The LCD does not support 3D Touch, but Apple introduced a new Haptic Touch feature to provide haptic responses to certain gestures on the device as a replacement.
Instead of Touch ID, the iPhone XR uses the same TrueDepth camera system that’s in the iPhone XS with faster, more efficient Face ID facial recognition for unlocking your device, making Apple Pay payments, and more.
Inside, the iPhone XR is sporting a 7-nanometer A12 Bionic chip that includes two-performance cores 15 percent faster than the A11 and four efficiency cores up to 50 percent more efficient. The four-core GPU in the A12 is up to 50 percent faster than the A11.
An 8-core Neural Engine completes up to 5 trillion operations per second for major improvements to all apps and features that use AR and machine learning. iPhone XR does not use a dual-lens camera system like in the iPhone XS or iPhone 11, instead adopting a single-lens rear camera, but Apple has made software advances to make it nearly as functional as the dual-lens camera in the more expensive iPhone XS models.
It features an f/1.8 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with a 32 percent larger sensor for sharper, more detailed pictures in low light, which is in fact the same wide-angle camera used in the iPhone XS. The camera supports optical image stabilization, improved True Tone Flash, and it has twice as many FOCUS pixels.
Through software, Apple enabled Portrait Mode in the iPhone XR, a feature previously limited to dual-lens cameras. Portrait Mode allows users to take DSLR-quality images with artful background blur that focuses the image on the subject of the photo. Advanced bokeh for better blur and Depth Control have also been introduced, allowing for the depth of field of a photo to be adjusted after it’s captured.
Smart HDR brings out more detail in highlights and shadows even in situations where lighting conditions are poor, and wide color support results in rich, colorful photographs.
At the front, the 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera enables all of the features that are available in the more expensive iPhone XS, including Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, Depth Control, and more, for what Apple says are the best selfies you’ve ever taken.
When it comes to battery life, the iPhone XR had the longest battery life of any Apple iPhone at the time of its introduction, although that’s no longer the case with significant increases in battery life for Apple’s 2019 iPhone lineup. The battery in the iPhone XR does, however, last for an hour and a half longer than the iPhone 8 Plus, offering 25 hours of talk time or 15 hours of internet use.
Other iPhone XR features include dual-SIM support with one nano-SIM and one eSIM, Apple Pay, LTE Advanced with 2×2 MIMO, support for 25 LTE bands, and Bluetooth 5.0.
As of the release of the iPhone 12 lineup, the iPhone XR was available in 64 and 128 GB storage capacities and pricing in the U.S. started at 499.
Note: See an error in this roundup or want to offer feedback? Send us an email here.
iPhone XR Price
The iPhone XR was available for purchase in Apple retail stores, the Apple online store, and from third-party retailers. for the iPhone XR started at 499 for the 64GB model, while a 128GB model was available for 549. Apple also occasionally sold refurbished iPhone XR models with refurbished pricing starting at 419.
AppleCare was available for the iPhone XR for 149 for two years of coverage or 7.99 per month for ongoing coverage. AppleCare extended the warranty of the iPhone XR and it provides coverage for two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months with a 29. 99 deductible. Enhanced AppleCare with Theft and Loss coverage (up to two incidents every 12 months with 149 deductible per theft or loss incident) was priced at 219 or 11.49 per month.
iPhone Overview Guide
If you want to see how all of the iPhones in Apple’s current lineup compare, make sure to check out our dedicated iPhone guide, which has details on each iPhone along with buying suggestions.
Design
The iPhone XR looks similar to the 5.8-inch iPhone XS, but it features a bigger 6.1-inch display, so it’s a mid-sized phone that fell between the iPhone XS and the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max. It is smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus that it replaced, but with a larger screen.
Like the iPhone XS, the iPhone XR features an edge-to-edge display with slim bezels and no Home button, instead adopting a notch and the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID. Rather than using an OLED display, the iPhone XR is equipped with an LCD that has slightly thicker bezels than the XS due to the limitations of the LCD.
At the front of the XR, there’s a notch that houses the TrueDepth camera system, speaker, and ambient light sensor, but other than that, the iPhone XR is all display.
The iPhone XR features a glass body in one of six colors along with a matching 7000 Series aluminum frame, which is lighter and less expensive than the stainless steel frame of the iPhone XS. Like all of Apple’s glass-backed iPhones, the iPhone XR is highly vulnerable to breaking when dropped.
iPhone XR measures in at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm thick, which means it’s thicker than the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, which measure in at 7.7 mm. It weighs 194 grams. For comparison’s sake, the 5.8-inch iPhone XS is 143.6 mm tall and 70.9 mm wide, while the XS Max is 157.5 mm tall and 77.4 mm wide.
Color Options
Apple has created iPhone XR in six colors, marking the first time since the 2013 iPhone 5c that iPhones were made available in colors other than silver, space gray, gold, and red.
iPhone XR comes in white, black, blue, coral, yellow, and (PRODUCT)RED, with glass bodies and matching anodized aluminum frames.
To go along with the iPhone XR, Apple sells a clear iPhone case that’s designed to show off the bright colors of the device. The case was released in December 2018, two months after the launch of the iPhone XR.
Water and Dust Resistance
The iPhone XR is IP67 water and dust resistant, which means that it is impervious to dust and can withstand immersion in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) deep for 30 minutes in laboratory conditions.
Though the iPhone XR can withstand splashes, rain, and brief accidental water exposure, intentional water exposure should be avoided. Apple warns that water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and could decrease as a result of normal wear.
Apple‘s warranty also does not cover any kind of water damage to iOS devices, so it’s best to use caution when exposing the iPhone XR to liquids.
Display
iPhone XR is equipped with the most advanced LCD in a smartphone, which features several technological advancements to make it larger than ever.
Apple says new engineering techniques were created for pixel antialiasing and pixel masking to extend the display to the edges of the device. Apple also used LEDs that fit into a smaller space than ever before along with a new backlight design to make the display larger and able to reach to the corners of the iPhone.
Given the advanced LCD technology in use, Apple has given the display a new Apple-style name: Liquid Retina.
The iPhone XR’s display measures in at 6.1 inches and it has a resolution of 1792 x 828 with 326 pixels per inch and 1.4 million total pixels, meaning it is inferior to the OLED display in the iPhone XS models but on par with past iPhones that have used LCDs.
Though not OLED, the iPhone XR’s display supports many of Apple’s latest technology advancements including Tap to Wake to activate display with a single tap, a swipe-based gesture system to replace the Touch ID Home button, True Tone for matching the white balance of the display to the ambient lighting, and wide color for vivid, true to life colors.
It has a 1400:1 contrast ratio, which is one of the areas where it falls short of the iPhone XS. The XS’s OLED display has a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Colors aren’t quite as rich nor are blacks quite as black, but it does have the same 625 cd/m² max brightness.
Haptic Touch
Apple eliminated the 3D Touch feature in the iPhone XR and instead replaced it with a new Haptic Touch option, which the company says is similar to the haptic trackpad in the MacBook Pro.
3D Touch is available throughout the iOS 12 operating system and is often used to display additional information through a force press gesture. The same functionality is not available through Haptic Touch, but Haptic Touch does provide feedback when doing things like force pressing on the camera icon on the Lock screen of the iPhone XR or long pressing on notifications (as of iOS 12.1.1).
With the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro release in 2019, Apple eliminated 3D Touch across its flagship lineup, replacing it with the Haptic Touch option introduced in the iPhone XR. Apple has been expanding the number of places where Haptic Touch can be used on the iPhone XR, and in iOS 13, Apple has added 3D Touch-style long press gestures that work on the iPad, iPhone XR, and Apple’s newest phones, further signaling the sunsetting of 3D Touch.
A12 Bionic Processor
The iPhone XR is equipped with a new 7-nanometer A12 Bionic chip that’s faster and more efficient than the A11 in the previous-generation iPhone X.
There are two high-performance cores in the A12 that are up to 15 percent faster than the A11 Bionic and four efficiency cores that use up to 50 percent less power. The A12, combined with a bigger battery, enables much longer battery life for the iPhone XR.
As with the A11, the A12 can harness all six of its cores at once when a boost in power is needed, and a new performance controller dynamically divides work across the cores for the best performance and battery life.
Apple‘s A12 Bionic includes a 4-core GPU that offers up to 50 percent faster graphics performance than the A11 chip.
Neural Engine
The A11 Bionic introduced the first Neural Engine, and the A12-chip has a next-generation 8-core version that uses real-time machine learning to power features across the operating system, improving photo taking, gaming, augmented reality, and more.
According to Apple, the Neural Engine is able to perform five trillion operations per second, allowing more to be done in real time. It’s what powers the machine learning features in the iPhone XR, like photo search, Face ID, and augmented reality experiences.
For the first time, Apple has also opened up the Neural Engine to the Core ML platform, which means developers can take advantage of the real-time machine learning features in their apps. With the A12 Bionic, Core ML runs up to nine times faster than on the A11 Bionic.
The A12 Bionic brings faster detection of AR surfaces for the rear camera, better AR experiences for the front-facing camera, immersive 3D gaming experiences, and faster Face ID.
RAM and Storage Space
iPhone XR includes 3 GB RAM, 1 GB less than iPhone XS and XS Max and the same amount of RAM that was in the iPhone X. iPhone XR is available in 64 and 128 GB capacities.
Face ID and the TrueDepth Camera System
Face ID, introduced in 2017 with the iPhone X, is the biometric authentication system used in the iPhone XR, which features a notch housing the TrueDepth camera system that enables Face ID.
Face ID performs the same role as Touch ID, except it uses a facial scan instead of a fingerprint, and Face ID in the iPhone XR is identical to Face ID in the iPhone X with the exception of speed improvements. With the new A12 Bionic chip and Neural Engine improvements, Face ID is able to detect your face and unlock your device faster than before.
Face ID is used across the iOS operating system for tasks like unlocking your iPhone, allowing access to third-party passcode-protected apps, confirming purchases in iTunes and the App Store, and authenticating Apple Pay payments.
Face ID works through a set of sensors and cameras built into the front of the iPhone XR, called the TrueDepth Camera system. To create a facial scan, a Dot Projector projects more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto your face, which are then read by an infrared camera.
This depth map of your face is then relayed to the A12 Bionic processor where it is transformed into a mathematical model that the iPhone uses to make sure it’s you attempting to access your iPhone.
Face ID uses infrared, so it works in low light and in the dark, with a built-in Flood Illuminator making sure there’s always adequate light to take a facial scan. Face ID works with hats, beards, glasses, sunglasses, scarves, makeup and all other accessories and items that might partially obscure a face, but it does need to see your eyes, nose, and mouth to work.
The A12 Bionic chip with built-in Neural Engine means that Face ID can adjust to minor facial changes over time, so if you grow your hair longer or grow a beard, Face ID w adjusts and continue to unlock your iPhone. In iOS 12, there is an option to add an alternate appearance if your face changes drastically during the day due to sunglasses, scarves, or other accessories.
Face ID Security and Privacy
Face ID uses a detailed 3D facial scan that’s unable to be fooled by a photo, mask, or other facial imitation. An Attention Aware security feature allows Face ID to unlock your device only when you look in the direction of the iPhone XR with your eyes open, so it does not work when your eyes are closed, when you’re sleeping, when you’re unconscious, or when you’re looking away from your phone.
Attention aware is optional and there is an accessibility feature to turn it off for those who are unable to FOCUS on the iPhone’s screen, but most people should leave it turned on for the added layer of security.
With the attention aware feature, the iPhone XR knows when you’re looking at it. Face ID displays notifications and messages on the Lock screen when you look at the iPhone XR, it keeps the screen lit, and it automatically lowers the volume of an alarm or ringer when it knows your attention is on the iPhone XR’s display.
If a thief demands your iPhone, Face ID can be disabled quickly and discretely by pressing on the side button and the volume button at the same time. Do this before handing your phone over, and a thief won’t be able to scan your face. Face ID also turns off after two failed facial recognition attempts and a passcode needs to be entered for it to be turned back on.
Face ID data is encrypted and stored in the Secure Enclave on the iPhone XR. Apple can’t access your Face ID data, nor can anyone who has your phone. Authentication happens entirely on your device, with no Face ID data ever stored in the Cloud or uploaded to Apple. Third-party developers do not have access to the facial map that Face ID uses to unlock a device, but the TrueDepth camera can be used to scan a user’s face for the purpose of creating more realistic augmented reality apps.
With Face ID, there’s a 1 in 1,000,000 chance that someone else’s face can fool Face ID, but the error rate increases to 1 in 1 in 500,000 with an alternate appearance registered in iOS 12. Face ID has been fooled by identical twins, children, and a carefully crafted mask, but it’s still secure enough that the average person does not need to worry about their iPhone being unlocked by someone else.
TrueDepth Camera Specs
The TrueDepth Camera, in addition to powering Face ID with the infrared additions, is also a standard 7-megapixel front-facing camera that can be used for selfies and FaceTime calls. As of iOS 14.2, FaceTime calls are streamed in 1080p over Wi-Fi connections.
The front-facing camera in the iPhone XR supports several new features, including Smart HDR for portraits that capture more detail in shadows and highlights and a new Depth Control feature that lets you adjust the amount of blur in a front-facing Portrait Mode image after it’s captured, or, as of iOS 12.1, when composing an image in real-time.
As with the iPhone X, wide color and Portrait Lighting features are available so you can adjust the lighting in your photos. There is, however, improved bokeh for better DSLR-style blurring in your images.
The TrueDepth camera can be used to capture 1080p HD video at 30 or 60 frames per second.
Animoji and Memoji
The TrueDepth Camera System supports two features called Animoji and Memoji, which are animated, 3D emoji characters that you control with your face. Animoji are emoji-style animals, while Memoji, introduced in iOS 12, are customizable, personalized avatars that you can create.
To enable Animoji and Memoji, the TrueDepth camera analyzes more than 50 muscle movements in different areas of the face, detecting movement of the eyebrows, cheeks, chin, eyes, jaw, lips, eyes, and mouth.
All of your facial movements are translated to the Animoji/Memoji characters, letting them reflect your expression and emotion. Animoji and Memoji can be shared with friends and used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.
There are more than a dozen different Animoji to choose from, modeled after existing emoji characters: monkey, robot, cat, dog, alien, fox, poop, pig, panda, rabbit, chicken, unicorn, lion, dragon, skull, bear, tiger, koala, t-rex, and ghost. There are an unlimited number of Memoji that can be created to look like you and other people.
Rear Camera
iPhone XR uses a single-lens camera system, but it is the most advanced single-lens camera Apple has designed, combining the latest hardware with some impressive software advancements to enable features that were not previously possible.
The iPhone XR is using the same f/1.8 12-megapixel wide-angle camera that’s in the iPhone XS and XS Max, and that camera, compared to the camera in the previous-generation iPhone X, features a 32 percent larger sensor with bigger pixels to allow for clearer, crisper photos even in conditions where lighting is poor.
It also features twice as many FOCUS pixels, includes optical image stabilization for photos and videos, offers wide color, and it features the same improved quad-LED True Tone flash with slow sync. The lens of the wide-angle camera is equivalent to 26 mm, which means it offers a slightly wider field of view than the camera in the iPhone X.
Machine learning techniques powered by the A12 Bionic allow the iPhone XR to recognize people, map subjects, and add depth, all of which allow for a Portrait Mode feature for the rear camera that does not require two lenses.
Portrait Mode is enabled through a software feature that creates a depth segmentation map using the camera’s FOCUS pixels and neural net software to separate the subject of a photo from the background.
Portrait Lighting is also enabled through this technique, but a limited number of effects are available. Users can choose Natural, Studio, or Contour lighting options, but Stage Light and Stage Light Mono effects included on other iPhone models with dual cameras are not available on iPhone XR.
In addition to Portrait Mode, iPhone XR features advanced bokeh for better background blurring, Depth Control for adjusting the field of view after an image has been captured, and Smart HDR to bring out more detail in the highlights and shadows of images especially in low-light situations.
Because there’s no second telephoto lens to enable optical zoom, iPhone XR’s camera maxes out at 5x digital zoom.
Video Capabilities
iPhone XR can record 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second, 1080p HD video at 30 or 60 frames per second, or 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.
Extended dynamic range is available for video up to 30 frames per second, and when capturing video, digital zoom up to 3x is available.
It supports 1080p Slo-mo video at 120 or 240 frames per second, time-lapse video, and 1080p and 720p cinematic video stabilization. Stereo recording is included, as is stereo playback with new wider sound separation.
Apple with iOS 14 updated the iPhone XR and iPhone XS models with QuickTake, which is a feature that lets you capture a video while the Camera app is in photo mode so you don’t need to waste time switching modes. For instructions on how to use QuickTake, make sure to check out our how to.
Battery Life
The iPhone XR has a 2,942 mAh battery, 8.3 percent larger than the battery in the iPhone X and 10.6 percent larger than the battery in the iPhone XS, but somewhat smaller than the 3,174 mAh battery in the iPhone XS Plus.
Though it doesn’t have the largest battery of Apple’s three 2018 iPhones, the iPhone XR has the longest battery life, lasting an hour and a half longer than the battery in the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone XR offers up to 25 hours of talk time, up to 15 hours of internet use, up to 16 hours of video playback, and up to 65 hours of audio playback.
Fast Charging
iPhone XR is fast-charge capable, which means it can be charged to 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes. Fast charging requires a USB-C power adapter that offers at least 18 watts, which includes 29/30W adapters from Apple (priced at 49). Third-party 18W USB-C adapters also work, but the Lightning to USB-C cables must be purchased from Apple for 19.
Wireless Charging
Support for wireless charging was first introduced in Apple’s 2017 iPhone lineup, and the iPhone XR continues to offer glass bodies and built-in wireless charging coils to support wireless charging functionality.
Apple uses the Qi wireless charging standard that’s also available in many Android phones, which means the new iPhones can charge wirelessly with any Qi-certified inductive charger.
According to Apple, iPhone the iPhone XR charges even faster than the iPhone X, and there is a copper coil inside that facilitates slightly faster charging because it doesn’t heat up quite as much.
iPhone XR works with 7.5W and 5W wireless charging accessories. Multiple companies have now developed wireless charging options designed specifically for Apple’s iPhones.
7.5W charging is faster than 5W charging, but the difference is not hugely noticeable. Wireless charging is also generally inferior to wired charging, which is almost always faster. We tested multiple wired and wireless charging methods and while 7.5W charging is faster than 5W wired charging, the best way to charge an iPhone is using a 12W iPad power adapter or an 18W option, which enables fast charging capabilities.
LTE Advanced
iPhone XR supports LTE Advanced for data transfer speeds up to 450Mb/s. It works with more than 20 LTE bands, with Apple using a single model for all cellular networks.
Dual-SIM Support
The iPhone XR models sold around the world feature dual-SIM support, which allows two phone numbers to be used at one time.
Dual-SIM functionality is enabled through the inclusion of one physical nano-SIM slot and an eSIM, a feature that was first introduced in the iPad. eSIM support was enabled with the iOS 12.1 update, making dual-SIM functionality available through the existing physical SIM and the new eSIM. Carriers need to implement support for eSIM functionality for the feature to work, and in the United States, Verizon and ATT offer eSIM support as of December 2018.
The eSIM feature is available in many countries around the world, and Apple has a full list of carriers that support eSIM on its website.
Dual-SIMs work with select carriers in Austria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Spain, the UK, and the United States.
In China, where eSIMs are not allowed, iPhone XR devices feature two physical SIM card slots. Models with two SIM slots are limited to China and won’t be sold elsewhere.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
iPhone XR supports the Bluetooth 5.0 standard. Bluetooth 5.0 offers longer range, faster speeds, larger broadcast message capacity, and better interoperability with other wireless technologies.
Compared to Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth 5 offers four times the range, two times the speed, and eight times the broadcast message capacity.
802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2×2 MIMO is supported, with support for connection speeds that can reach a theoretical maximum of 866Mb/s.
GPS and NFC
Support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS location services is included in the iPhone XR.
NFC with reader mode is included, and for the first time, the iPhone XR includes a background tag feature that allows them to scan NFC tags without the need to open an app first.
