iPhone 18 Pro Max release date: Apple’s new launch plan may look different this time

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup at a special event on September 9, with reports suggesting the company could also alter its usual pre-order schedule. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may open for pre-orders at midnight Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12, instead of the usual Friday following the launch event. However, Apple has not confirmed the reported timeline.

The September 9 event is scheduled to begin at 10am Pacific Time, or 6pm in the UK. Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone, while new Apple Watch models could also be announced.

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iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders may start on September 12

Media reports suggest that Apple could begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at midnight Pacific Time on September 12. That would correspond to 3am Eastern Time and 8am in the UK.

This would mark a departure from Apple’s usual pattern of opening pre-orders on the Friday after its launch event.

The reported change may be connected to September 11, which marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, according to media reports.

The suggested pre-order timing is based on information attributed to MacRumors, which in turn referred to a report from German publication MacWelt. The schedule has not been officially confirmed by Apple.

Foldable iPhone launch timing remains unclear

Apple is also expected to show its first foldable iPhone at the September 9 event, but its sales timeline remains uncertain.

Some reports suggest the foldable model could be available for pre-order and sale alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. Other reports indicate that Apple may open pre-orders for the foldable device later in September.

The company has not yet announced an official timeline for the device.

iOS 27 could arrive before new iPhones go on sale

The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series is also expected to coincide with the arrival of iOS 27.

Media reports have suggested September 14 as a possible release date for the new operating system, although that date remains unconfirmed.

iOS 27 is expected to support the same iPhone models that can run iOS 26, including the iPhone 11 series and newer compatible devices. Some features, however, could be limited to newer models because of their hardware requirements.

iPhone 18 Pro could go on sale September 18

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to reach stores on Friday, September 18, according to media reports.

Apple could begin retail sales at 8am local time at its stores, following the company’s traditional launch pattern. However, the retail date and timing have not been officially announced.

Reviews of the new iPhones are also expected to arrive ahead of the retail launch. Based on the reported schedule, they could be published around September 15 or 16.

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Apple expected to confirm dates on September 9

The September 12 pre-order date, September 18 retail launch and September 14 iOS 27 release should all be treated as reported or predicted timelines rather than confirmed Apple announcements.

The company is expected to provide the official launch schedule during its September 9 event.