Full Breakdown
Apple Sets Cutoff Time for Faster iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders
By Drooid · · How we work
Fast-Track Pre-Order Deadline
Apple’s pre-order system includes a “Get Ready” option that lets customers lock in their iPhone 18 Pro model, accessories, financing approval, and trade-in details before the official launch. According to Apple, customers must complete these selections by 9 p.m. PT on Friday, September 11 to bypass the morning rush. The deadline applies to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max lines and is intended to streamline the checkout process on the opening day.
Adjusted Pre-Order Launch Date
Historically, iPhone pre-orders begin the Friday after an unveiling. This year, Apple moved the start time to Saturday, September 12 at 8:00 a.m. ET / 5:00 a.m. PT. The shift is linked to the date of the product announcement falling on September 11, prompting Apple to postpone the pre-order opening by one day.
“Get Ready” Feature Details
Through the Apple Store app or website, shoppers can tap the “Get Ready” button to pre-select their device, pair accessories, arrange leasing or financing, and set up a trade-in. Completing these steps before the September 11 cutoff allows the system to auto-populate the order on September 12, reducing the time needed to finalize the purchase during the high-traffic launch window.
What’s Next
When the pre-order window opens on September 12, the “Get Ready” selections will be processed first, giving those who met the deadline priority in the queue. Apple’s press release initially listed the cutoff as 9 a.m. PT, but reporting indicates this was a typographical error, and the correct time is the evening deadline on September 11. Customers who miss the cutoff will need to place their orders manually when pre-orders go live on Saturday morning.
