Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 13, 2026, 6:14 AM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Pre-Orders Go Live

Apple's online storefront began accepting orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max today, with launch-day delivery windows slipping quickly as demand piled up. The Apple Store went dark hours before the 5 a.m. Pacific start, while a queue system throttled traffic once ordering opened. Buyers who haven't ordered yet now face shipping estimates stretching into October for several configurations.

Carrier Incentives Reach $1,200

Wireless carriers are competing aggressively for upgrades, with promotional credits worth up to $1,200 tied to trade-ins on the new Pro models. The best carrier deals bundle bill credits across AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, though most require an unlimited plan and a qualifying device in working condition.

Modem Split Confirmed for U.S. Models

Apple's tech specs pages reveal that the iPhone 18 Pro Max sold in the United States differs from international units in one key respect: it uses a Qualcomm modem rather than Apple's in-house component. The distinction, flagged by Numerama's Nicolas Lellouche, keeps the flagship on Qualcomm silicon in its most important market.

iPhone Duo Foldable Debuts

Apple's long-awaited foldable arrived at this week's event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra, and refreshed Air Pods. The iPhone Duo pairs a traditional iPhone experience with a folding inner display, positioning it against the Pro line on price and capability. Reviewers note that Apple's split-screen implementation on the Duo feels cleaner than iPad OS 27's multitasking, a striking reversal for a first-generation device. A hidden fake bezel setting lets owners add a virtual border to the outer screen to improve case compatibility.

Upgrade Math for Holdouts

For iPhone 15 Pro owners, the three-year jump brings a new chip, camera system, and display improvements that make the case for upgrading more concrete than in prior cycles. Apple is positioning the iPhone 18 Pro as its new default flagship, and buyers should pair it with a charger capable of hitting its fastest wired and Mag Safe speeds.

Accessories and Cases Arrive

Case makers moved fast: ESR's lineup now covers both the Pro models and the foldable Duo, including hinge protection and kickstand options. A roundup of the best iPhone 18 Pro cases highlights Apple's new Silicone and Clear shells alongside third-party alternatives shipping in time for launch day.

Deals and Indie Software

This weekend's Apple deals include pre-order promotions on Air Pods, Air Pods Pro, Apple Watch Series, Air Tag, the Studio Display, and MacBook Pro discounts. On the software side, the Farwave app lets users stream radio stations and podcasts from around the world, earning a spot in this week's Indie App Spotlight.

Enterprise and Platform Strategy

IT teams face a shifting update landscape as AI features change how Apple distributes software across mac OS, iOS, and vision OS, with three distinct prongs now governing how fleets receive patches and model updates.