The video showed three 3D-printed dummy units—not working or confirmed retail iPhones. Their sizes and iPhone X-style fronts broadly anticipated Apple’s 2018 lineup, but the rumored names were wrong and the large model did not have three rear cameras. Apple announced the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR on September 12, 2018.
What appeared in the hands-on video
BGR reported on July 2, 2018, that a video from Shai Mizrachi showed three physical mock-ups believed to represent Apple’s upcoming iPhones. The units were described as 3D-printed dummies, so they offered clues about exterior dimensions and layout—not proof of working hardware, final specifications, or Apple’s product names. BGR’s report and video are the basis for what the mock-ups appeared to show.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone X, 64GB Unlocked - Gray | $148.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone XS, 64GB, Space Gray - Unlocked (Renewed) | $147.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone X, 64GB Unlocked - Silver | $130.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, 64GB, White - Unlocked (Renewed) | $97.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone XR, US Version, 64GB, Black - Verizon (Renewed) | $137.00 | Buy on Amazon |
- A standard-size model with a 5.8-inch-class display, resembling the iPhone X.
- A larger model with a rumored 6.5-inch display, called “iPhone X Plus” in the rumor-era coverage.
- A 6.1-inch-class model expected to use LCD, referred to as “iPhone 9” by the video creator and in coverage.
All three appeared to share the iPhone X design language: an edge-to-edge front, a top notch, and no physical Home button. The notch suggested a Face ID-style layout, but a dummy could not verify the sensors or how they worked. The 6.1-inch model was expected to have thicker display borders than the OLED models.
The 6.1-inch model
The lower-cost model appeared slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone X and had one rear-camera opening. Reports expected an LCD screen and an iPhone X-style front. These were prelaunch expectations, not specifications established by the video.
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- Unlocked and Compatible with All service providers Worldwide
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Includes Charger and Cable. Does not include the Sim Card (Sim card is always provided by your service provider)
The 6.5-inch model
The large dummy suggested a display substantially bigger than the iPhone X’s while keeping a body footprint comparable to the Plus-sized iPhone 8 Plus. That distinction mattered: an all-screen design could fit a larger display into a familiar overall size category. The mock-up also appeared to show multiple rear openings, which prompted speculation about its camera setup.
Was the large model’s third opening a third camera?
No. The original report considered a triple-camera system unlikely and suggested that the apparent third opening was the flash. Apple later specified a dual 12-megapixel rear-camera system for both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, with 2x optical zoom and dual optical image stabilization. The video could show the placement of openings, but it could not establish what each held or what the cameras could do.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Why the leak seemed plausible—and what it could not prove
BGR said the video was posted by Shai Mizrachi, who had circulated iPhone dummy units before. The report also cited 9to5Mac’s view that earlier dummy-unit leaks associated with him had reportedly resembled legitimate products. That history gave the mock-ups some credibility as design clues; it did not establish that Apple supplied them or that they were functional prototypes.
Dummy units can be useful because their physical shape may reflect dimensions needed by accessory makers. But external resemblance is not authentication. From these models alone, viewers could not reliably establish display technology, processor, memory, camera sensors, battery capacity, storage, water resistance, software features, price, or final finish and colors.
Rank #3
- Unlocked and Compatible with All service providers Worldwide
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Includes Charger and Cable. Does not include the Sim Card (Sim card is always provided by your service provider)
What Apple announced in September 2018
Apple announced the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR on September 12, 2018. The final names were not “iPhone X Plus” or “iPhone 9.” Apple’s launch announcement confirmed the XS and XS Max specifications and timing:
| Rumored size class | Final model | Display and confirmed details | U.S. launch timing and starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 inches | iPhone XS | 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED; A12 Bionic; dual 12-megapixel rear cameras; 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage. | $999 starting price; preorders began September 14, 2018, and retail availability began September 21, 2018. |
| 6.5 inches | iPhone XS Max | 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED; A12 Bionic; dual 12-megapixel rear cameras; 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage. | $1,099 starting price; preorders began September 14, 2018, and retail availability began September 21, 2018. |
| 6.1 inches | iPhone XR | Apple announced a 6.1-inch LCD model. The cited XS and XS Max announcement does not state the XR’s full specifications here. | Announced with the lineup and released later than the XS models; the cited announcement does not state its price or release date. |
The dollar figures are U.S. launch starting prices, not current prices. Apple’s announcement confirms the XS and XS Max details in the table; it does not support filling in the XR’s launch price, exact release timing, or full specification set.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
How accurate was the video?
| Prediction or implication | Assessment | What the later announcement showed |
|---|---|---|
| Three-device lineup with 5.8-, 6.1-, and 6.5-inch size classes | Broadly accurate | Apple announced the XS, XR, and XS Max in those display sizes. |
| Notch-based, Home-button-free design across the range | Broadly accurate | The lineup followed the iPhone X-style all-screen direction. |
| One rear camera on the lower-cost 6.1-inch model | Broadly accurate | The XR was the single-camera model; the dummy was still not proof of final hardware. |
| “iPhone X Plus” for the large model | Incorrect name | Apple called it iPhone XS Max. |
| “iPhone 9” for the LCD model | Incorrect name | Apple called it iPhone XR. |
| Three rear cameras on the large model | Incorrect interpretation | The XS Max had two rear cameras; the apparent third opening was not a third camera. |
The video was a useful guide to Apple’s external design direction, especially the three screen-size classes and notch-based fronts. It was not a complete product reveal: the physical models could suggest shape and layout, but camera openings and rumor-era labels needed confirmation from Apple.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This device is locked to Verizon only and not compatible with any other carrier.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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