Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhone lineup in September, with the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the company’s first foldable iPhone likely to headline the launch. The standard iPhone 18, however, is reportedly being pushed to spring 2027. With the launch approaching, here is the latest timeline for Apple’s event, pre-orders, iOS 27 rollout and release dates, reported Forbes.
The standard iPhone 18 is expected to follow a different schedule and may not arrive until spring 2027. While Apple has yet to confirm the launch plans, reports have pointed to a series of key dates for the upcoming devices.
iPhone 18 Pro event announcement: August 25 or 26
Apple could announce the date of its annual iPhone event as early as August 25 or August 26, reported Forbes.
The company has announced its iPhone events roughly two weeks ahead of the keynote in recent years. Based on that pattern, Aug. 26 is currently considered the more likely date, although Apple could make the announcement on Aug. 25.
iPhone 18 Pro launch event: Sept. 9
Apple is expected to hold its main iPhone 18 Pro launch event on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Apple traditionally holds its iPhone events on Tuesdays, but the timing of the US Labor Day holiday could push this year's event to Wednesday. Labor Day falls on Sept. 7 this year, and Apple has previously avoided holding its iPhone event immediately after the holiday when the dates have aligned similarly, reported Forbes.
The event is expected to take place at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time, or 1 p.m. Eastern and 6 p.m. UK time.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be unveiled alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone.
iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders: Sept. 12
Apple typically opens iPhone pre-orders on the Friday after its launch event. This year, that would fall on Sept. 11, reported Forbes.
However, reports suggest Apple could move pre-orders to Saturday, Sept. 12. The date would mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and Apple previously moved pre-orders to a Saturday when a similar date occurred in 2015.
iOS 27 release: Sept. 14
Apple is also expected to release iOS 27 around Sept. 14.
The new software will come pre-installed on the iPhone 18 series and is expected to be compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models.
iPhone 18 Pro release date: Sept. 18
If the reported schedule holds, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could go on sale on Friday, Sept. 18.
The launch would follow the expected Sept. 9 keynote and Sept. 12 pre-order date.
Apple has not yet officially confirmed the launch dates, so the schedule could change before the company sends out its event invitation.
