Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone 18 Pro range at a special event on September 9. The smartphone giant may reportedly change its usual pre-order schedule for the new smartphones.
According to Forbes, Apple is expected to open pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at midnight Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12. This would mark a departure from Apple’s usual practice of opening pre-orders on the Friday after its launch event.
The reported change may be linked to September 11, which marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Apple’s September 9 event is scheduled to begin at 10 am Pacific Time, or 6 PM in the UK. The company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone. New Apple Watch models are also expected to be announced.
Forbes reports that pre-orders could begin at midnight Pacific Time on September 12. That would be 3 AM Eastern Time and 8 AM in the UK.
The report said the timing is based on information cited by MacRumors, which cited a report from the German publication MacWelt. However, the reported schedule has not yet been confirmed by Apple.
There is also uncertainty over the launch of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. While some reports suggest it could go on sale alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, others indicate that pre-orders for the foldable device could start later in September.
The iPhone 18 Pro launch is also expected to coincide with the release of iOS 27.
According to Forbes, iOS 27 could be released on September 14, though the date is still a prediction. The software is expected to support the same iPhone models compatible with iOS 26, including devices from the iPhone 11 onwards.
Some features are likely to remain exclusive to newer iPhone models because of hardware requirements.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders May Start September 12: What to Know
It is anticipated that the new iPhones, including the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max, will be available for purchase on Friday, September 18. According to Forbes, Apple may begin selling the new iPhone models at 8:00 AM local time. Reviews could appear before the phones reach shops, with the first reviews potentially arriving on September 15 or September 16.
Apple is expected to confirm the full launch schedule at its September 9 event. Until then, the September 12 pre-order date and September 18 retail launch should be treated as reported or predicted dates, rather than official announcements.