Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9 at its "Surprise and shine" event. If you're keen to be among the first to get your hands on one, here are some tips on how to give yourself the best chance.
Going on previous fall iPhone launches, shipping estimates for popular iPhone Pro configurations tend to slip by several weeks within hours of Apple's pre-orders opening, which tends to happen a week after the announcement. Ordering quickly therefore can make the difference between a launch-day delivery and an extended wait. These tips should help give you the best chance of grabbing one.
- Get Ready for your iPhone 18 Pro pre-order: Shortly before pre-orders go live, it's likely that you will be able to set up a "Get Ready" feature in the Apple Store app. This allows you to prepare your purchase by selecting your preferred model, confirming carrier status, adding accessories, choosing an AppleCare+ plan, and setting up payment methods. Afterwards, when pre-orders begin, you'll be able to complete your purchase with just a tap.
- Check your Apple Account details now: Do the necessary checks that confirm your payment method hasn't expired, your billing address matches your card, and your shipping address is the place you actually want your iPhone sent to.
- Get your trade-in quote in advance: Getting a trade-in valuation on your current iPhone adds more screens to the checkout process, so get it done before pre-orders go live. After a trade-in estimate is generated, Apple has to receive your old device within 14 days (15 days in Canada) to ensure you get the estimated value. But this countdown only comes into effect after you receive your iPhone 18 Pro – not before.
- If you financed your current phone through the old iPhone Upgrade Program, check your status and your replacement financing options now: Apple discontinued the old program in the US in July 2026. Eligible existing members can move to Apple Upgrade, Apple Card Monthly Installments, carrier financing, or a one-time purchase. Note that in the UK, Apple is in the process of transitioning former Upgrade Program customers to its Flexible Finance Account.
- Open the Apple Store app ahead of time: Ensure you have the app up-to-date, open, and with your saved configuration on screen several minutes before pre-orders go live. The store does not always become accessible to every customer at exactly the advertised second. In fact, it's more likely to open up a few minutes later than that. Also: keep Apple's online store open in a browser on another device. Going on previous pre-orders, which of the two comes back first can vary by launch.
- Don't change your configuration selection at checkout: Every change you make to your basket likely re-queries Apple's inventory. If your saved specification is available, take it all the way to payment. This includes which color you prefer – the more last-minute changes you make, the greater the risk becomes that availability will change before you check out.
- Choose in-store pickup if it's offered: There's every reason to believe that Apple's pickup inventory will be allocated separately from its delivery stock, so a store slot can still be available after delivery estimates have slipped. Opting for in-store pickup also removes any potential ambiguity surrounding your estimated delivery window.
- Launch day walk-in stock is a genuine alternative: Apple could conceivably hold back some inventory for in-store purchases on launch morning. Brick-and-mortar stocks are also allocated per store rather than nationally. Apple's pickup availability checker updates through the morning and is likely to be more efficient and reliable than calling the store. That being said, don't assume you'll be able to walk into a store and pick up an iPhone 18 Pro.
For all the rumors we've heard about the iPhone 18 Pro models, be sure to check out our dedicated roundup.
Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro
