Apple may be preparing to shake up its traditional iPhone launch schedule this year, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max reportedly set to become available for pre-order on a Saturday rather than the company’s usual Friday launch window.
Apple is rumored to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra at a special event on September 9. Traditionally, Apple opens pre-orders for its latest iPhones on the Friday immediately following the announcement.
This year, however, the usual schedule could change.
The Friday following the rumored September 9 event would fall on September 11, a date carrying significant historical importance in the United States. According to reports, Apple could therefore move the start of iPhone pre-orders to Saturday, September 12.
The timing could also be different from Apple's traditional schedule. Instead of opening pre-orders at around 5 a.m. Pacific Time, the company is rumored to begin accepting orders at midnight Pacific Time.
If the reported schedule is accurate, customers could therefore be able to place their orders earlier than usual on September 12.
The same launch timeline could reportedly apply to the Apple Watch Series 12 and other products Apple may announce during the September 9 event.
However, there could be one notable exception.
Previous reports have suggested that the rumored iPhone Ultra may launch later than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, despite being unveiled alongside them. If that information proves accurate, Apple could announce the Ultra on September 9 but delay its pre-order and retail availability.
Apple has yet to officially confirm the rumored event date, pre-order schedule or launch timing for the upcoming devices. As a result, the dates and times should be treated as rumors until Apple makes an official announcement.
For iPhone fans planning to upgrade, the biggest question may not be what Apple announces on September 9, but when shoppers will actually get the chance to secure one.