Apple's online store has gone dark as the company prepares to open preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. As anticipated, Apple has taken its online Apple Store offline to prepare for the launch ahead of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This year, the iPhone 18 will not launch alongside its higher-end counterparts.

Apple routinely takes its online store offline before major product launches and preorder windows. The familiar "Be right back" message appears while customers wait for the store to reopen. Taking the store offline also helps build anticipation around Apple's biggest launches. During the outage, customers cannot purchase other products through the online Apple Store. That includes the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, which had been available for preorder since September 9. Both Apple Watch models will be available starting September 18.

Prospective iPhone 18 Pro buyers could choose their preferred model and payment method before preorders opened. That preparation should make checkout faster once Apple's online store returns. Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup begin September 12 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific, or 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Prices start at $1,199, with 24-month financing available from $49.95 per month. Apple also offers the iPhone 18 Pro lineup through its Apple Upgrade leasing program. Lease pricing starts at $34.99 per month for 24 months. The iPhone Duo will follow the iPhone 18 Pro lineup rather than launching alongside it. Preorders begin October 16 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific, or 8:00 a.m. Eastern. iPhone Duo will be available starting October 23, with prices beginning at $1,999. Financing starts at $83.29 monthly, while Apple Upgrade leases start at $57.99 monthly.