Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders opened on Saturday, September 12, 2026, but did not sell out immediately as expected. By 08:30 ET, half an hour after launch, no color or configuration of the iPhone 18 Pro showed shipping delays in the US, with all models available for delivery on Friday, September 18. The iPhone 18 Pro Max saw limited delays, starting with the 256GB burgundy model shifting from September 18 to September 29–October 6 after 30 minutes, then to October 6–13 by the one-hour mark.

Similar delays appeared in glacier and silver 256GB models, while black 512GB models slipped to September 24–29. Overseas, in the UK, all but the 2TB burgundy model delayed to September 24. Factors cited include the Saturday pre-order timing (avoiding 9/11), anticipation for the iPhone Duo, economic discretionary spending reduction, and potentially improved Apple demand forecasting and supply chain readiness.