Apple’s next iPhone event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, where it’s expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro alongside its first foldable model, tentatively called the iPhone Ultra. However, details about when preorders begin remain unconfirmed.
Why Preorders May Slip From Friday
Historically, Apple launches unannounced devices one day after the event—usually on a Friday. This year, that timeline could shift. Sep 11 is a Friday, but because of the date, Apple seems poised to move preorder openings to Saturday, September 12. This pattern follows a prior event in 2015, when preorders opened a day later due to a calendar conflict.
Brace for Unfriendly Hours
Preorders are expected to begin not at a reader-friendly workday hour, but at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time—which translates to 3:01 a.m. Eastern. That time means people in central U.S. zones might need to wake before dawn (around 2:00 a.m.) to order. The urgency of acting fast will be especially acute for the iPhone Ultra, anticipated to be in short supply.
Carrier Leak and Apple’s Silence
A major telecom carrier reportedly told its staff to keep September 11 free, denying time-off requests for stores. While this suggests plans might have involved a Friday launch, the carrier acknowledged being misled in past preordering rumors—so nothing is confirmed until Apple formally announces the schedule at its September event.
Without an official preorder date, Apple fans are left staring at rumors. The best window seems to be Saturday, September 12—likely starting at midnight Pacific Time. Until Apple makes it official, potential buyers should monitor announcements closely.
What this means: Apple appears ready to launch preorders for its most anticipated products—iPhone 18 Pro and its first foldable—on Saturday, September 12, at 12:01 a.m. PT (3:01 a.m. ET). East Coast buyers will need to pull an early all-nighter, especially for the limited-supply Ultra.
Why this matters: Moving the preorder to a Saturday and setting a post-midnight Pacific Time launch could disadvantage many buyers, particularly in U.S. time zones outside the West. For people planning for the Ultra, missing the small-window preorder could mean longer waits, limited stock, and premium resale prices. To keep pace, tech lovers should mark September 12 and set alarms—or get ready to miss out.
