Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders have started more slowly than the company’s typical flagship launches. Most configurations remained available for launch-day delivery shortly after orders opened in the United States.
Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9. Pre-orders then opened on Saturday, September 12. However, the phones did not immediately produce the widespread shipping delays often seen during major iPhone launches.
iPhone 18 Pro Remains Widely Available
Thirty minutes after US pre-orders began, every iPhone 18 Pro color and configuration still showed September 18 delivery. That early availability suggests either softer initial demand or stronger supply than in previous years.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max began showing some delays. However, its higher-capacity 1TB and 2TB versions remained available without shipping changes during the early ordering period.
The 256GB burgundy Pro Max was among the first models to slip. Its delivery estimate initially moved to September 29 through October 6. By the one-hour mark, that window had shifted to October 6 through October 13.
Some Pro Max Colors Face Delays
Demand also affected selected glacier, silver and black Pro Max configurations. Several 256GB versions moved into October delivery windows. However, availability continued to vary by color and storage capacity.
The situation also differed outside the United States. In the UK, most burgundy iPhone 18 Pro configurations had slipped to September 24, except the 2TB version.
Several Factors Could Explain the Slow Start
The source points to several possible reasons, although none is confirmed. Apple unusually opened pre-orders on a Saturday to avoid September 11, which may have changed customers’ buying routines.
Moreover, some customers may be waiting for the iPhone Duo, which was not yet available for pre-order. Economic pressure and higher prices linked to the global chip shortage could also be limiting discretionary spending.
Still, early shipping availability alone cannot determine overall demand. Better inventory could produce similar results. Therefore, longer-term sales and delivery trends will provide a clearer picture of the iPhone 18 Pro’s market performance.
