iPhone 18 Pro Max release date
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The gist
Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on September 9, 2026.
Preorders start Sept 12 and release is Sept 18, with prices up $100.
Background
Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, 2026. The new models keep a design similar to the iPhone 17 Pro but add a smaller Dynamic Island, a variable aperture 48MP camera, the A20 Pro chip, and iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. Apple raised starting prices to $1,199 and $1,299, which it attributes to an AI-driven memory and storage shortage affecting the tech industry.
How it unfolded
- Sep 4, 2026Macworld reports that pre-orders may be delayed to Saturday, September 12, because September 11 is a U.S. day of remembrance.
- Sep 9, 2026Apple announces the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September event.
- Sep 12, 2026Pre-orders open for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
- Sep 18, 2026The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max go on sale.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Yahoo Finance notes the $100 price increase is due to an AI-driven memory and storage shortage affecting the tech industry.
- Expert
- CNET's Andrew Lanxon says the new camera upgrades could make him more keen to leave his dedicated camera behind, though he will reserve final judgment until testing.
Still unverified
Some reports expected pre-orders at 12:00 a.m. PT on September 12, while Apple's official announcement states 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET. The exact pre-order time is disputed.