New iPhone features leaked by 'disgruntled Apple employee'

iPhone X: Features of new Apple devices revealed in major leak.

Apple has suffered from one of its biggest leaks in history just days before it is due to unveil the next generation of its flagship smartphone.

Information hidden in Apple's upcoming iOS 11 software has revealed the company is planning to unveil three new devices on Tuesday, called the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

The software leak confirmed details of the new phone, including its name, new camera and screen technology as well as details about a new Apple Watch and wireless headphones, the Telegraph reported.

Apple is expected to unveil three phones on Tuesday, including a premium handset and an update to its current offering. The flagship device, which will cost around £1,000 (about NZ$1814) , will be called the iPhone X, according to the leak. The other two phones will be the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

Steve Troughton-Smith, an app developer from Ireland, discovered the clues within Apple's update for the iOS 11, which was hidden on an obscure website and leaked to reporters. To date the iPhone had been referred to in the software by the code name "D22".

"It was very clear that iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X were the marketing names," said Troughton-Smith. "It's theoretically possible that Apple could change that marketing name for the iPhone X, especially if it's not going to be finished for another month as per rumours. But I like to deal with hard evidence, and right now iPhone X calls itself iPhone X."

What features will the iPhone X have?

Troughton-Smith discovered what could be the final specs for Apple's new iPhone line-up. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus will have 3GB of RAM, while the smaller iPhone 8 will have 2GB, according to the leak.

The iPhone X's rear camera will have a 12MP sensor camera, while its front camera will be 7MP, and inside it will have a powerful A11 processor.

A previous Apple leak revealed the iPhone X will have a 5.8-inch screen that covers almost the entire front of the phone. The screen will have a small indent at the top to make room for a facial recognition camera, which will be used to unlock the phone and replace the fingerprint scanner. Apple is expected to ditch the home button to make way for the screen.

Face ID enrollment process (with layout issues on first page) pic.twitter.com/KczOHEy9ir

— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) September 9, 2017

New Apple Watch LTE and AirPod headphones

The iOS 11 code also revealed Apple's plans for a new smartwatch and update to the AirPod wireless headphones.

Well fortunately there are no actual iPhone 8 or iPhone X renders in the OS, but the LTE Apple Watch and revised AirPods weren't so lucky pic.twitter.com/ddO1vL0PgA

— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) September 9, 2017

Apple will hold its annual launch event at 10am Pacific time on Tuesday September 12 (5am NZ time tomorrow). It will be held in the Steve Jobs Theatre, located at Apple's new campus in Cupertino, California.

Apple will livestream the event on its website.