[19] Improvements include faster computing speeds, dual-SIM support, filming with stereo audio, and better water resistance.

The XS, which is visually near-identical to the iPhone X, has a better system-on-a-chip: the A12 Bionic chip built with a 7 nm process.

In mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, however, the XS Max comes with a dual nano-SIM tray (and no eSIM).

The XS does not have a dual nano-SIM tray, so the eSIM functionality is enabled for use in Hong Kong and Macau, but not in mainland China.

[45] The iPhone XS received generally positive reviews from critics after release.

Some experts claimed that a faulty antenna was to blame,[46] and in response to many consumer complaints about iPhone XS/XS Max connectivity problems, Apple contacted users for help with their investigation.

[49] This was caused by a software bug with Apple's "Disable USB accessories when locked" setting, a feature intended to prevent unknown devices from accessing a user's content.

Some, who speculated this was the result of a hidden "beauty mode" (an actual feature in some smartphones), dubbed the issue "Beautygate".

[63] However, third-party apps brought similar Night Mode to older iPhones.