First iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders begin shipping ahead of Friday launch
David Joseppi
Posted On 17/09/2026 
Apple has started shipping the first iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders ahead of the devices arriving with customers on Friday, September 18.
Customers who ordered shortly after pre-orders opened on Saturday are beginning to see their order status change to “shipped,” as Apple prepares for launch-day deliveries. Apple’s online store still lists both models as available starting September 18.
As is typical with new iPhone launches, some shipments may have been moving through carrier networks before Apple’s own order page reflected their progress. Customers expecting a launch-day delivery can check their order through the Apple Store app or Apple’s order status page.
Apple opened iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders at 5 a.m. PT (1 p.m. in the U.K.) on September 12. The phones officially go on sale in stores and begin arriving with customers on Friday.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 in the United States, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both models feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip, an upgraded camera system with a variable-aperture Main camera, improved battery life and faster charging.
Customers whose Apple order status has not yet changed to shipped should not necessarily be concerned. Orders with a September 18 delivery estimate can move quickly through the final stages of Apple’s delivery network, with tracking information sometimes appearing close to launch day.
The launch comes just over a week after Apple unveiled its latest iPhone lineup. iPhone Duo will follow separately, with pre-orders opening October 16 before availability begins October 23.
