Here’s when iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders could begin after Apple’s event

Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on Wednesday, September 9, but this year’s pre-order schedule could look slightly different from the familiar pattern Apple customers have come to expect.

Normally, Apple opens pre-orders on the Friday immediately following its September event. Following that pattern in 2026 would put iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders on Friday, September 11, but there is a strong reason to expect Apple to wait an extra day.

September 11 this year marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the United States. Apple has previously adjusted an iPhone launch schedule when its normal pre-order date fell on September 11, making Saturday, September 12 the most likely date for iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders this year.

That expectation is now backed by reporting from German publication Macwelt, which says a reliable source has indicated that pre-orders will open on Saturday, September 12. The report also claims Apple could begin taking orders at midnight Pacific Time rather than its more familiar 5 a.m. Pacific opening, as reported by 9to5Mac.

There is historical precedent. Apple unveiled the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. Rather than opening pre-orders on Friday, September 11, Apple waited until Saturday, September 12.

Last year’s schedule followed Apple’s usual pattern. The Apple Post reported that iPhone 17 pre-orders opened on Friday, September 12, 2025, three days after Apple’s September 9 event, with devices reaching customers one week later on September 19.

If Apple opens iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders on September 12 this year, deliveries and in-store availability would still be expected around the following week. Apple should confirm the exact dates at the end of Wednesday’s presentation.

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to be joined by Apple’s first foldable iPhone Ultra. Whether the foldable follows exactly the same pre-order and delivery schedule remains particularly interesting given reports suggesting initial production has been extremely limited.

For now, Saturday, September 12 is the date prospective iPhone 18 Pro buyers should have circled, with the exact ordering time still less certain until Apple makes its official announcement.