iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders set for Saturday, September 12, at midnight PT

Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro will open Saturday, September 12, at midnight Pacific Time, according to a report from Macwelt, the German counterpart to Macworld. That timing marks a departure from Apple’s standard fall launch pattern.

Apple has scheduled its annual iPhone event for Wednesday, September 9. Under its typical schedule, pre-orders would follow on the Friday of that same week—this year, Friday, September 11—with devices shipping the subsequent Friday. But this year’s date coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

In the past, when a standard pre-order Friday fell on September 11, Apple shifted the start to the following Saturday. The last such occurrence prompted a move to Saturday, September 12. Macwelt states its source expects that same adjustment again in 2026.

Midnight PT launch breaks precedent

According to Macwelt’s report, pre-sales will not only shift to Saturday but also begin at midnight PT—earlier than the customary 5 a.m. PT start time. The outlet notes it previously misreported the iPhone 17e’s release date earlier this year, meaning while the September 12 date appears credible, the midnight timing remains unconfirmed.

The iPhone 18 Pro unveiling is scheduled for September 9. Less than two weeks remain before the official announcement and full device reveal. Rumored features are covered separately in ongoing reporting.