iPhone X background size refers to the pixel dimensions and physical scale of images designed for the iPhone X display, which has a 5.8-inch Super Retina screen with a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels and a pixel density of 458 ppi. This guide covers the precise background dimensions, safe areas, DPI settings for print and screen, and practical steps to resize images without losing key visual elements or status bar information. Understanding these specifications helps ensure sharp, well-fitted backgrounds across Home Screen, Lock Screen, and app interfaces.
iPhone X Display and Native Resolution
The iPhone X introduced a 5.8-inch OLED display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels. Its effective scale is 3x relative to the 1x baseline of non-Retina points, resulting in 458 pixels per inch (ppi). When setting a background image, using the native resolution ensures optimal sharpness and avoids upscaling artifacts. Images that match this resolution fit precisely without scaling, preserving detail across the full screen area, including the notch region.
Defining Background Size in Pixels and Physical Units
For digital use, the recommended iPhone X background size is 1125 x 2436 pixels. This matches the screen’s native resolution and fills the display without distortion. For print or CSS specifications, physical measurements are useful. At 458 ppi, the display spans roughly 6.14 cm (width) by 13.34 cm (height), or about 2.42 inches by 5.25 inches. When specifying DPI for print, 300 dpi is standard, though the device’s native ppi is 458. Know your output medium—screen versus print—to choose the correct file settings.
Pixel Dimensions and DPI Reference Table
| Use Case | Width (px) | Height (px) | Physical Size (cm) | Recommended DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Screen Wallpaper | 1125 | 2436 | 6.14 x 13.34 | 300–450 for print; 458 native for screen |
| Lock Screen Wallpaper | 1125 | 2436 | 6.14 x 13.34 | 300–450 for print; 458 native for screen |
| App Icon (Spotlight) | 120 | 120 | 2.12 x 2.12 @2x | 300 for print; 72–96 for screen |
| Settings Icon | 87 | 87 | 1.54 x 1.54 @2x | 300 for print; 72–96 for screen |
Safe Areas and Avoiding Critical Notches
The iPhone X display includes a top-notch area and a bottom home indicator, which can obscure content if placed in unsafe zones. Apple defines safe margins to keep essential elements within viewable regions. For background images, keep key content at least 40 points (about 60 logical pixels) away from the top and 34 points (about 51 logical pixels) from the bottom. In terms of physical pixels, this is roughly 120 px from the top and 102 px from the bottom. Avoid placing text or key visuals in these regions to ensure legibility on both light and dark modes.
Safe Area Margins (Logical Points vs Pixels)
- Top safe margin: ~40 points (120 px)
- Bottom safe margin: ~34 points (102 px)
- Side margins: Align within the layout grid to prevent cutoff
Resizing and Exporting Backgrounds for iPhone X
To create an iPhone X background that fits without stretching, start with an image at least 1125 x 2436 pixels. Use a photo editor that supports aspect ratio preservation, such as Photoshop, GIMP, or a mobile-friendly tool like Canva. When cropping, prioritize the central subject and use content-aware fill if necessary. Export at 100% quality, sRGB color profile, and save as JPEG for photos or PNG for graphics with transparency. For CSS use on web backgrounds, specify background-size: cover and test on actual device dimensions to confirm proper alignment.
Quick Resize Checklist
- Start with 1125 x 2436 px source or higher
- Enable content-aware scaling to protect focal points
- Keep text and icons inside safe margins
- Export in sRGB for consistent color across devices
- Test on iPhone X Simulator or real device
Applying Backgrounds on iPhone X
To set a custom wallpaper, open Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper, then select from Photos or Stills. You can adjust perspective and pinch to zoom to fit the composition within safe boundaries. For dynamic effects, choose Live Photos and apply the same cropping rules. Developers can define precise background sizes in code using Auto Layout constraints that respect safe area insets, ensuring UI elements remain clear of the notch and home indicator across orientations.
Conclusion
The iPhone X background size is 1125 x 2436 pixels at 458 ppi on a 5.8-inch Super Retina display. Using the native resolution and respecting safe area margins ensures sharp, distraction-free visuals. Whether you are setting a wallpaper, designing an app interface, or preparing assets for print, aligning with these dimensions and guidelines preserves detail and prevents cropping. Consistent use of these measurements supports a polished, professional appearance across iOS devices and contexts.