Apple is gearing up to launch for an unusual change to its iPhone launch schedule this year, with the company reportedly considering Saturday pre-orders for the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro models.
As per the company, the Cupertino-based tech giant has confirmed a September 9 launch event at the Steve Jobs Theater, where the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its highly anticipated foldable iPhone are likely to take center stage.
While Apple has yet to officially announce the pre-order schedule, a report suggested users can easily order the Pro models on pre-order on Saturday, September 12, rather than the usual Friday.
The reported transition would mean Apple avoids opening pre-orders on September 11, a date associated with the 2001 terrorist attacks across the USA.
Apple has made a similar scheduling move ahead, with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus also opening for pre-orders on a Saturday in September 2015.
The major transition could be just one part of a significant transition to the company’s iPhone 2026’s launch strategy. Apple’s first foldable iPhone, rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra, may have a separate launch schedule, with pre-orders possibly pushed to later in September due to production constraints.
Meanwhile, Apple is likely to delay the basic iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air until spring 2027, leaving the September release focused on the company’s premium models.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro series is likely to be integrated with the cutting-edge A20 Pro chip, camera upgrades and a smaller Dynamic Island, while the foldable model could include a premium price of up to $2,500.
For now, September 9 remains the only confirmed date, with Apple's post-event launch plans still subject to change.
