iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders could start later than expected

If you're planning to get the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max as soon as pre-orders open, you might have to wait a little longer than usual this year.
Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on 10 September 2026 for those of us in Australia.
Based on past timelines, pre-orders usually open the first Friday afterwards.
That Friday falls on 11 September, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, so Apple is expected to push pre-orders to Saturday 12 September instead.
Reports suggest pre-sales could open at midnight Pacific Time, which is around 5pm AEST.
This isn't the first time...
The pre-order date has changed before, too.
Back in 2015, when the iPhone 6s event also fell on 9 September, the company held pre-orders on Saturday 12 September rather than the usual Friday.
The expectation is that Apple will follow the same approach again.
How to watch the iPhone 18 Pro unveiling
The highly-anticipated Apple Event will kick off at 3am AEST.
You can stream it live on Apple's website, on YouTube and through the Apple TV app.
But if 3am is far too early for you, you can catch the keynote later in the morning with a cup of coffee, as it will be available to watch on demand.
Or, just come back to Finder and we'll have all the latest updates waiting for you.
We've also rounded up the full rumour mill for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone Ultra so you know what to potentially expect
Save up to $600 on the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max
Want to upgrade to the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max instead?
You can get a $300 discount when you sign up to an Optus 12-, 24- or 36-month plan, plus a $300 digital Visa gift card when you sign up through Finder.
After clicking the 'GO TO SITE' button in the tables below, you can adjust your repayment term and SIM plan to suit.
Just make sure you sign up through these links to qualify for the Finder Reward (digital Visa gift card).
iPhone 17 Pro deals
iPhone 17 Pro Max deals
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