Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Release Date: When Will Pre-Orders Begin?
Get the latest on Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, launching September 9. Discover rumoured specs including the A20 Pro chip, triple 48MP camera, larger battery, and smaller Dynamic Island. Learn about the expected September 12 pre-order date and potential India pricing starting around INR 1,39,900.
New Delhi, September 3: Apple is gearing up to host its 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 PM IST), where the tech giant is widely expected to unveil its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This year's launch, however, could see a break from tradition regarding pre-order availability, with reports suggesting a delay until Saturday, September 12.
The shift in the pre-order schedule from the customary Friday launch is reportedly a deliberate move by Apple to avoid September 11, which marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a date the company has reportedly circumvented previously. This year's event is also anticipated to feature the debut of Apple's first foldable iPhone, potentially named 'iPhone Ultra', alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. The standard iPhone 18 model is rumoured to be held back for a spring 2027 launch. iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max India Launch Imminent: Apple 'Surprise and Shine' Event Confirmed for September 9.
Expected Specifications and Features
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are poised to bring significant upgrades. Both models are expected to be powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip, fabricated on TSMC's advanced 2nm process, promising enhanced performance and power efficiency.
Camera improvements are a major highlight, with leaks suggesting a triple 48MP rear-camera setup for both Pro models. The iPhone 18 Pro Max, in particular, is tipped to feature a variable aperture main camera, allowing for better control over depth of field and low-light performance. Some reports hint at 5x optical zoom for the Pro and 6x for the Pro Max. iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max Price Cut in India: Know New Prices, Bank Offers and More.
Display-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to maintain a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max will likely retain its 6.9-inch display. A widely rumoured design change is a notably smaller Dynamic Island, with some sources suggesting a reduction in width from approximately 20.7mm to just 13.5mm.
Battery capacities are also expected to see a boost. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumoured to pack around a 4,288mAh battery (for the US eSIM model). The iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped for a more substantial upgrade, with capacities potentially reaching 5,567mAh in eSIM markets and 5,391mAh in regions with physical SIM trays.
Colour Options and Pricing
For colour enthusiasts, Dark Cherry (or Burgundy) is a strong candidate for the new signature Pro lineup colour, replacing Cosmic Orange. Other rumoured colours include Sky Blue/Light Blue, Dark Gray, and potentially Black, though earlier reports of a Silver option are now being contradicted by some leakers.
In India, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to see a price increase, with a starting price estimated around Rs 1,39,900. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could begin around Rs 1,59,900. This hike is partly attributed to rising memory component costs. In the US, analyst predictions from TrendForce and Jeff Pu suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,249 and $1,299, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max between $1,349 and $1,499, a notable increase from the iPhone 17 Pro's $1,099 starting price.
Apple is expected to confirm all final specifications, pricing, and availability details at its September 9 event.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2026 04:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).