According to Mashable, the newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially opened for preorders, with the new Apple smartphones going on sale promptly at 8 a.m. ET. Despite rumors that the online Apple Store was down ahead of the launch, the site appears to be working fine, and retailers and mobile carriers have also gone live with iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals.
iPhone 18 Pro Pricing and Global Memory Crisis Impact
Based on reporting by Mashable, the iPhone 18 Pro carries a starting price of $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year’s iPhone 17 Pro line. Mashable attributes this price increase to the global memory crisis.
Official Release Date and Color Options
While preorders opened in the morning, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will officially launch on Friday, Sept. 18, according to Mashable. Preordered phones are expected to arrive on that date, which is also when customers can visit local Apple stores to check out the devices. The new Pro models come in four colors this year: Burgundy, Glacier Blue, Silver, and Black.
Carrier Preorder Deals and Trade-In Savings
Major carriers and retailers are competing for new customers by offering substantial savings on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. According to Mashable, consumers can secure significant discounts or even get the device for free by meeting specific terms and conditions:
- T-Mobile: Offers the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers who switch and bring their existing phone number, or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan, saving up to $1,200.
- AT&T: Customers can slash up to $1,200 off the purchase of an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max by sending in an iPhone 14 or a newer model for trade-in alongside the activation of an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.
- Apple: Offers between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits, alongside the Apple Upgrade leasing program starting at $34.99 per month for the Pro.
- Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when upgrading and bringing an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.
- Xfinity: Save $1,200 on the Pro model with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.
- Total Wireless: Save $600 on the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max via the All Access plan.
- Visible: Receive $480 in monthly service credits when buying through the Visible+ Pro plan, available to both new and existing members.
- Walmart: Offers financing for the new iPhone at $78 per month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service, though the big-box retailer does not offer true preorder deals.
Pro Tip: Check Your Carrier Terms
Before committing to a carrier deal for the iPhone 18 Pro, verify whether the savings require bill credits spread over 24 to 36 months or specific plan tier commitments like the AT&T Premium 2.0 or T-Mobile Experience Beyond plans.
Hardware Upgrades and What Makes the iPhone 18 Pro Different
According to Mashable, the new iPhone 18 Pro models introduce several key upgrades over the previous generation. The devices feature a new physical variable aperture for professional-quality photographs and videos, smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography. Additionally, the iPhone 18 Pro includes better battery life and a new A20 Pro chip designed to provide enhanced support for AI tools.
Software Release: iOS 27 and Siri AI
Users will not have to wait for the hardware to experience the latest software updates. According to Mashable, iOS 27 will be available starting Monday, Sept. 14, allowing anyone with a compatible iPhone to set it up ahead of the hardware launch. The new Siri AI app will arrive alongside iOS 27.
What to Know About the Foldable iPhone Duo
For shoppers weighing alternatives to standard candy-bar form factors, Apple has announced the foldable iPhone Duo. According to Mashable, the iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will hit store shelves on Oct. 23 with a starting price of $1,999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?
No. According to Mashable, Amazon does not sell the new iPhone 18 Pro line, though it does sell renewed and refurbished iPhones, iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, accessories, the new AirPods 5, and Apple Watch Series 12.
What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
According to Mashable, it is too soon for reviewers to render a final verdict, though early first impressions from tech journalists going hands-on at Apple Park have been positive.
Should you upgrade from an iPhone 17 Pro Max?
According to Mashable, if you already own an iPhone 17 Pro Max, the new models do not make a super obvious case for upgrading, and buyers may find good reasons to consider waiting for the iPhone 19 or iPhone 20.
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