Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9 at its "Surprise and shine" event. Pre-orders open on Saturday, September 12 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time ahead of a launch on Friday, September 18. To secure a launch-day delivery, customers should act quickly as popular configurations often sell out within hours.

Before pre-orders go live, users must set up a "Get Ready" feature in the Apple Store app, selecting preferred models, confirming carrier status, adding accessories, choosing an AppleCare+ plan, and setting up payment methods. Apple is giving customers until 9 p.m. Pacific Time to prepare ahead of the morning rush. It is essential to verify that payment methods have not expired, billing addresses match cards, and shipping addresses are correct.

Getting a trade-in valuation in advance streamlines checkout. Those financed through the old iPhone Upgrade Program should check replacement options, as the program was discontinued in the US in July 2026. Customers should open the Apple Store app ahead of time and keep the online store open in a browser on another device.

Most importantly, avoid changing configuration selections at checkout, as every change re-queries inventory and increases the risk of availability shifting before payment is completed.