Should Lawyers Buy the New iPhone Xs Max?
For lawyers, getting the newest iPhone usually isn't job-critical, like it would be for an app developer. However, having the latest and greatest in tech can sometimes be good for business, or at least help you operate more efficiently.
If you're in the market for a new smartphone, or you're just a die-hard Apple fan, the newest iterations of the iPhone (the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr) are likely to please, though you might notice that there's one a big differences this time around. And while there are plenty of tech blogs where you can read about all the bells and whistles, below you can read more about two of the features we lawyers want to know more about, and whether it's worth the hefty price-tag to upgrade.
Face It, Face ID Is Here to Stay
One of the more controversial features that debuted on the iPhone X last year was Face ID. Rather than using a fingerprint on the home button, Apple has opted to use biometric face scanning as the unlocking mechanism. And while users will tell you that it works a little better than the fingerprint scanner, the law still may not be settled on whether law enforcement, or a ne'er-do-well can force or trick you into unlocking the phone with a glance.
Unfortunately, unlike last year's offerings, there is no home button option anymore. Like the headphone jack, the entire lineup from Apple this year only has buttons on the side, and uses an up-swipe in place of the home button. Fortunately, reports of users missing the home button on the iPhone X are few and far between.
Battery Life
The battery life between the X and new versions isn't anything to write home about. However, according to Apple's tech specs, the iPhone Xs Max, which boasts the biggest screen ever on an iPhone, measuring 6.5 inches diagonally, will provide an additional four hours of talk time compared to the iPhone X, or 8. And for those lawyers who spend a good chunk of their days talking calls on their smartphone, those extra hours matter.
Worth It?
If your current smartphone is on the fritz, and you can't come to terms with forking out over a grand for a smartphone, Apple has a budget option they've named the iPhone Xr. However, unlike prior years where an older model gets refreshed for the budget conscious consumer, this year, the budget option actually has most of the bells and whistles the other updated models have as well. But, as you may have expected, the price-tag still might feel unconscionable at $750. On the other hand though, with how much time we spend and save thanks smartphones, the price tag could very well be worth it.
Related Resources:
- Is Social Media Stifling Free Speech? DOJ Investigates (FindLaw's Technologist)
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- Apple Going Into Online Law Enforcement (FindLaw's Technologist)