We haven’t seen the same buzz for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max like we had seen for the iPhone X last year, which was a major upgrade with the all-new edge-to-edge design and Face ID. But I missed a larger or Plus version of the iPhone X. Apple has addressed it with the launch of the iPhone XS Max, so I pre-ordered it.

To start things off for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max launch day, check out our unboxing photos of the gold iPhone XS Max.

• Like last year’s iPhone X, the iPhone XS Max came in a white box, with the colored picture of the device on the top of the box. There isn’t any iPhone XS Max branding on the box. It just says “iPhone” on the box.
• I usually prefer the space grey color, but was tempted to get the new gold color. I am glad I ordered it, as the gold iPhone XS Max is absolutely stunning. The back panel is light gold or slightly beige-ish, but the shiny gold chassis transforms the look of the gold iPhone XS Max. Thanks to the edge-to-edge screen, and lack of bezels, the front panel is black and not white, which was one of the reasons I didn’t like the gold color on the iPhones previously. Some of you might find it a bit too flashy. But I get the gold iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are going to do very well in China.
• The only concern I had about the iPhone XS Max with its 6.5-inch OLED screen was the size. But I am happy to report that it is very comfortable to hold, thanks to the rounded edges. If you’re switching from an iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone 8 Plus, then you will certainly appreciate it.
• In the box, you get the paperboard, USB power adapter, EarPods with Lightning Connector and Lightning to USB Cable. Unfortunately, as we had reported earlier, Apple doesn’t include the Lightning to 3.5mm dongle in the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max box.

Here are our first photos of the stunning gold iPhone XS Max. We have tried to capture various aspects of the device in addition to the unboxing, so let us know what you think. The indoor lightning wasn’t great today, so the photos haven’t come out very well. I will try to take them again tomorrow and update them, so please bear with me. Click or tap on any image to see the photo gallery in full screen mode.

I will also be posting my first impressions and some interesting tidbits about the iPhone XS Max as soon as possible so stay tuned.

If you have got the Space Gray or Silver iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, then please share the unboxing photos below so we can compare them.