If you want an iPhone 18 Pro and don't want to wait weeks after they ship, go online now to get your preorder ready. Pre-orders for new iPhones always start a few minutes late, and certain models sell out in moments.

On the day, all you can do is keep refreshing both the app and the online store. But you can do more in advance to ensure you get the model, configuration, and color you want. Go to the iPhone 18 Pro pages on Apple's site and go through all but the final step of choosing and configuring. The only thing you cannot do is actually buy the item.

Take this chance to do all of your thinking and financial planning ahead of time. Select capacity, color, and payment method. Explore trade-in options and financing. In the US, you need to pick a carrier for financing. Outside the US, the finance section differs; go to the end where the button says "Get ready for pre-order." US users see the same button, leading to more payment questions.

Check your details carefully. Payment and financing take time, so ensure everything is correct to avoid rejection. Use the time to check it all.