It's not clear when iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone preorders will start
Apple will host a product launch event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable device, referred to as the iPhone Ultra. While the event date is confirmed, Apple has not yet announced preorder dates for these specific models. This event marks a shift in strategy as the standard iPhone 18 model is now expected to launch in spring 2027 rather than during the September window.
What changed
The event start time is now confirmed as 10 a.m. Pacific Time and the foldable model is identified as the iPhone Ultra.
Live updates
-
Apple to unveil iPhone 18 Pro and first foldable iPhone on September 9
Apple will host a product launch event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable device, referred to as the iPhone Ultra. While the event date is confirmed, Apple has not yet announced preorder dates for these specific models. This event marks a shift in strategy as the standard iPhone 18 model is now expected to launch in spring 2027 rather than during the September window.
Why it matters
CEO John Ternus is leading the company following a completed leadership transition. The move to a split-launch strategy separates the high-end Pro and foldable hardware from the standard consumer models. This timing creates uncertainty regarding the traditional preorder window for Pro devices.
What is confirmed
- Apple scheduled a product launch event for Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
- The September 9 event is expected to feature the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone.
- The standard iPhone 18 will launch in spring 2027.
Still unconfirmed
- The Xiaomi 18 Fold resembles the design of the upcoming foldable iPhone.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of preorder dates for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra
- Confirmation of the final retail price for the foldable model
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.techrepublic.com — Apple’s Sept. 9 Event: What to Expect From the iPhone 18 Pro and the Reported $2,099-Plus Foldable
- www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra: Release Date and Pre-Orders
- gizmodo.com — Xiaomi Copied the Foldable iPhone Before Apple Even Announced It
- gcn.com — Apple’s first foldable iPhone joins the iPhone 18 Pro at a confirmed September 9 event that skips the standard model
- appleinsider.com — CEO John Ternus, legal battles, & iPhone Fold on the AppleInsider Podcast
-
Apple Prepares iPhone 18 Launch and Foldable Debut
Apple scheduled a product launch event for September 9, marking the first major showcase under new CEO Ternus. The upcoming hardware presentation is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 lineup alongside the company's first foldable iPhone. While the launch date is set, the exact schedule for preorders on the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable model remains unconfirmed, with some reports indicating that Pro preorders could face a later start than in previous years. Meanwhile, additional devices including the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are slated for a spring 2027 release under a new split-launch strategy.
Why it matters
The September event highlights a strategic shift for Apple under Ternus, dividing handset rollouts between a fall flagship debut and a spring release for standard models. Speculation surrounding the folding iPhone indicates it may carry an Ultra moniker while omitting certain long-standing Pro features despite carrying a higher price tag. Observers are tracking these hardware adjustments as production and pricing details continue to emerge ahead of the official unveiling.
What is confirmed
- Apple scheduled its next major product launch for September 9.
- The upcoming event marks the first major product showcase under new CEO Ternus.
- Apple plans to introduce the iPhone 18 lineup and its first foldable iPhone.
- Standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 devices are expected to follow in spring 2027 under a split-launch strategy.
Still unconfirmed
- Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro model may begin later than in previous years.
- Rumors point to higher prices, improved battery life, more RAM, and a variable aperture camera for the next flagship phones.
- The folding iPhone will cost nearly twice as much and be named Ultra, but will omit several features standard on Pro models.
- The iPhone 18 lineup will include a new iPhone 18 Pro Max.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of preorder start dates for the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable model during the September 9 event
- Pricing and feature confirmations for the folding iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro lineup
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.cnet.com — iPhone 18: Everything We Know About Apple’s Next Handsets
- www.forbes.com — Apple’s First Foldable iPhone: The Latest News On Its Release Date
- www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro Rumor Reality Check: 20 Claims Ranked by Likelihood
- www.macworld.com — Why Apple’s folding iPhone will be ‘Ultra’ in name only
- mashable.com — The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, new colors
-
Apple to launch foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 on September 9
Apple will hold its next major product launch on September 9, marking the first such event under new CEO Ternus. The event is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 lineup and a new foldable iPhone. While the launch date is confirmed, the specific start dates for pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable model remain unclear. Some reports suggest pre-orders for the Pro model may begin later than in previous years.
Why it matters
This event signals a leadership transition as CEO Ternus takes over major product reveals. The introduction of a foldable device represents a significant departure from Apple's traditional smartphone design.
What is confirmed
- Apple will launch its next iPhone on September 9.
- The September 9 event is the first major launch under new CEO Ternus.
- Apple will launch a foldable iPhone on September 9.
Still unconfirmed
- The September event may include the Apple Watch 12 and new AirPods.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of preorder start dates for iPhone 18 Pro and foldable models
- Details on the iPhone 18 Ultra specifications
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- Bloomberg.com — Apple’s Foldable iPhone Will Help Bring Some Magic Back
- CNET — iPhone 18 Preorders Are Coming. Here’s Everything We Know and a Few Predictions
- Reuters — Apple to launch next iPhone on September 9 in first major event under new CEO Ternus
- CNN — ‘Surprise and shine’: Apple to hold first major iPhone launch under new CEO next month
- Bloomberg — Apple to Hold Sept. 9 Foldable iPhone Launch to Start Ternus Era
- Forbes — iPhone 18 Pro Launch: Apple Confirms Keynote And Full Schedule Here
- 9to5Mac — Four advantages iPhone 18 Pro will have over the iPhone Ultra
- AppleInsider — It's not clear when iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone preorders will start
- Forbes — Apple Loop: iPhone 18 Pro Dates Confirmed, Mac Mini And Mac Studio Revealed, A Surprise Upgrade
- CNET — Apple Isn’t Following Its Typical Playbook for the September iPhone Event
- www.forbes.com — Apple iPhone 18 Pro Release Timeline: New Date Enters The Schedule
- Forbes — Apple iPhone 18 Pro Release Timeline: New Date Enters The Schedule