Apple Store Down Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders
The Apple online store is currently inaccessible as the company prepares for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Visitors to the U.S. website see a message stating, "Almost ready for you. Pre-order begins at 5:00 a.m. PT. See you soon." This downtime began earlier than usual, signaling high anticipation for the new devices. Apple has shifted its pre-order start time to 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time in recent years, moving away from the previous 12:01 a.m. launch window. The store outage affects customers globally, with pre-orders set to go live in over 65 countries and regions.
Global Availability and Supported Regions
Customers in more than 65 countries and regions will be able to pre-order both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max once the store returns online. These include major markets such as Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the UAE, the U.K., and the United States. Apple ensures broad international access to its latest flagship devices each year. The simultaneous global rollout helps manage demand and reduce regional scalping. This wide availability reflects Apple’s strategy of launching new iPhones in as many territories as possible at once. The company coordinates with local carriers and retailers to support the launch in each region.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Specifications
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in four finishes: Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black. Both models offer storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Notably, the 2TB capacity is being introduced for the first time on the smaller iPhone 18 Pro model. Previously, the highest storage tier was exclusive to the Pro Max line. This expansion gives Pro users more flexibility for storing high-resolution photos, 8K video, and large apps. The storage increase aligns with growing user demands for media-intensive workflows. Apple continues to push the limits of onboard storage in its premium smartphone lineup.
Pricing and Launch Timeline
In the United States, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at $1,299. Both models are scheduled to launch on Friday, September 18, when deliveries to customers and in-store availability will commence. Pre-orders open at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12, giving early buyers a head start. Apple has maintained this early morning pre-order window for several years to manage server load and customer traffic. The September 18 launch date follows Apple’s traditional mid-September iPhone release pattern. Customers who pre-order early are more likely to receive their devices on launch day.
Related Resources and Guides
Several helpful resources are available for customers preparing to pre-order the iPhone 18 Pro. A detailed pricing guide breaks down the cost for every storage tier of the new iPhone lineup. A time zone-specific article explains exactly when pre-orders begin in each region around the world. A step-by-step tutorial walks users through how to pre-order from Apple and secure their preferred model. Another piece outlines what upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro to the iPhone 18 Pro entails in terms of features and performance. Finally, a comprehensive comparison highlights over 35 upgrades between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro models. These resources aim to inform and assist buyers throughout the purchasing process.