iPhone 18 Pro preorders are officially live: Everything to know before buying
The newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially opened for preorders today, with the new Apple smartphones going on sale promptly at 8 a.m. ET.
Despite rumors that the online Apple Store was down ahead of the launch, the site appears to be working fine. Retailers and mobile carriers have also gone live with iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals, with companies like T-Mobile offering the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers.
If you have any questions before ordering the new iPhones, we’re here to help. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder has been reporting live from Apple Park all week and going hands-on with the new devices, and we’ll have full reviews to share in the weeks ahead.
How much do the new iPhones cost?
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year’s iPhone 17 Pro line, thanks to the global memory crisis.
When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?
While preorders opened this morning, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will officially launch on Friday, Sept. 18. If you preorder, that’s when your phone should arrive, and when you can go to your local Apple store to check them out for yourself.
What colors are available for the new iPhones?
The new Pro models come in four colors this year:
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Burgundy
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Glacier Blue
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Silver
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Black
When will the iPhone Duo be released?
If you’re still deciding between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo, you have a bit more time to make a decision. The foldable iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will hit store shelves Oct. 23. It will set you back $1,999.
How does the iPhone 18 Pro Max differ from the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
We’ll be honest: The phones are very similar this year, but there are some key differences. (Read our full breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max.)
Here are the biggest changes:
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The new models introduce a new physical variable aperture for professional-quality photographs and videos, as well as smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.
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The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life
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A new A20 Pro chip provides better support for AI tools
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The new iPhone 18 Pro models are more expensive and have new color options
What are the best iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals?
All the big carriers are competing to attract new customers by offering big savings on the iPhone 18 Pro — if you meet certain terms and conditions, of course. Over at T-Mobile and AT&T, you can save $1,200 on the new phones, letting you get the new iPhone for free. Apple is also offering major trade-in credits.
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T-Mobile: Switch to T-Mobile and bring your existing phone number to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free. Alternatively, you can trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan to score this deal.
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Apple: Get between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits.
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Apple Upgrade: Apple’s new leasing program lets you pay as little as $34.99 per month for the Pro.
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AT&T: Save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by trading in your iPhone 14 or newer device and activating an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.
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Total Wireless: Save $600 on the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max via the All Access plan.
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Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when you upgrade and bring an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.
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Visible: If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro through Visible+ Pro, you’ll receive $480 in monthly service credits. Both new and existing members are eligible.
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Walmart: The big-box retailer doesn’t offer any true preorder deals, but you can finance the new iPhone for $78/month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.
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Xfinity: With a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan, you can save $1,200 on the Pro model.
When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?
Very soon! iOS 27 will be available before the new phones, and anyone with a compatible iPhone can set it up starting on Monday, Sept. 14. The new Siri AI app will arrive with it.
Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?
No, Amazon does not sell the new iPhone 18 Pro line. However, Amazon is a great place to pick up iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, grips, and accessories, as well as the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12.
Amazon typically sells renewed and refurbished iPhones. You can buy the new iPhones from Walmart, however.
What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Nothing yet. Mashable has received the new Pro and Pro Max phones for testing along with other tech journalists, but it’s too soon for anyone to render a verdict just yet. Early first impressions have been positive, however, and you can learn more in these reports:
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Video: I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most.
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Video: Our first take on the iPhone 18 Pro: Intelligent photography
Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
We’ll have a full review of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned! In general, Apple smartphones are very reliable, and we think you can purchase the devices with confidence.
We will say this for now: If you already have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, the new models don’t make a super obvious case for upgrading. And there are good reasons to consider waiting for next year’s iPhone 19/20.
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