Apple sets cutoff time for getting faster iPhone 18 Pro pre-order

iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders Start Tomorrow with Early "Get Ready" Option Available

Apple has confirmed that pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will begin on Saturday, September 12, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time and 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This timing marks a one-day delay from the usual Friday-after-unveiling schedule, likely due to the observance of September 11. The shift allows Apple to avoid launching pre-orders on a sensitive date while maintaining its traditional weekend rollout pattern.

To help customers streamline the pre-order process, Apple is offering a "Get Ready" feature that lets users finalize their selections in advance. Through the Apple Store app or on Apple’s website, shoppers can choose their iPhone model, select storage and color options, pair accessories, secure financing or leasing pre-approval, and set up trade-in evaluations ahead of time. This preparation is designed to reduce friction during the high-traffic pre-order window when demand typically surges.

However, there is a firm deadline for using the "Get Ready" option to ensure a faster checkout experience. According to Apple’s official guidance, customers must complete their pre-selections by 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, September 11. Although a recent press release incorrectly listed the cutoff as "9 a.m. PT," multiple contextual clues confirm this is an error. The press release itself did not go live until 9:00 a.m. PT, and the "Get Ready" option remained accessible well past that time, which would not be possible if the deadline had already passed. Furthermore, last year’s identical promotion used a 9:00 p.m. PT cutoff, reinforcing that the intended time is evening, not morning.

By locking in choices before the 9:00 p.m. PT deadline tonight, users can bypass much of the morning congestion and complete their pre-order more efficiently when the window opens at 8:00 a.m. ET / 5:00 a.m. PT on Saturday. This advance preparation includes verifying trade-in estimates, applying for Apple Card Monthly Installments if desired, and confirming accessory compatibility—all of which contribute to a smoother transaction. Apple emphasizes that completing these steps early does not guarantee inventory but significantly improves the likelihood of a swift and successful purchase.

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to feature significant upgrades over its predecessors, including a refined titanium frame, improved camera system with enhanced low-light performance, and a faster A19 Bionic chip. While specific technical details have not yet been officially disclosed by Apple, industry analysts anticipate advancements in display technology, battery efficiency, and thermal management. The Pro Max variant will likely retain its larger 6.9-inch display and superior battery life compared to the standard 6.3-inch Pro model.

Storage options are projected to start at 256GB, with tiers extending to 512GB and 1TB for power users who require extensive local storage for photography, video editing, or gaming. Color choices are rumored to include classic finishes like Space Black and Silver, alongside potential new options such as Deep Blue or Rose Gold, though Apple has not confirmed these shades officially. All models will support USB-C connectivity, continuing the transition initiated with the iPhone 15 series, and will be compatible with the latest MagSafe accessories.

Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to begin at $999 for the base 256GB model, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max starting at $1,199. These figures align with recent pricing trends for Apple’s premium smartphone lineup. Customers opting for higher storage configurations or carrier financing through Apple Card Monthly Installments may see adjusted monthly payments, though the upfront cost remains consistent with Apple’s premium positioning.

Trade-in values will vary based on the condition and model of the device being exchanged, with older iPhones potentially yielding significant credit toward the new purchase. Apple’s trade-in program accepts devices from various manufacturers, though Apple-branded products typically receive higher valuation. Users are encouraged to check their estimated trade-in value in advance using the Apple Store app or website to better understand their net cost.

Accessories highlighted in conjunction with the launch include the AirPods Pro 3, now priced at $199 after a $50 reduction from the original $249, making them a compelling bundle option. Other promoted items consist of a MagSafe Car Mount for secure in-vehicle iPhone placement, a 10-year AirTag battery case designed for extended durability, and both single and four-pack configurations of the upcoming AirTag 2. A 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter is also featured, capable of rapidly recharging compatible devices while supporting high-power peripherals.

The "Get Ready" window remains active until 9:00 p.m. PT on Friday, September 11, giving customers one final evening to prepare. Those who act within this window will be best positioned to navigate the pre-order process quickly when it opens early Saturday morning. Apple’s decision to offer this advance preparation reflects its ongoing effort to balance high demand with user experience, particularly during major product launches.

As the tech community anticipates the official unveiling and subsequent availability of the iPhone 18 Pro series, early preparation through the "Get Ready" feature offers a practical advantage. Whether upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from another platform, taking a few minutes tonight to finalize selections could save considerable time and stress tomorrow. With pre-orders set to begin in just hours, the opportunity to streamline the process is still available—but only until the deadline passes.