Apple iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders Start Slower as Foldable iPhone Duo Steals Attention
Apple’s latest iPhone launch may not be generating the usual rush, at least based on early pre-order activity for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While Apple’s Pro models typically see shipping dates slip within minutes of pre-orders going live, this year’s rollout appears to be moving at a more measured pace.
When iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders opened in the United States on September 12, availability remained surprisingly strong during the first hour. Every color and storage configuration of the standard iPhone 18 Pro was still listed with launch-day delivery on September 18. That stands out because new iPhone Pro models often sell through initial stock quickly, pushing delivery estimates back by days or even weeks.
At the time of the early availability check, only one iPhone 18 Pro model showed a notable delay: the 512GB version in Silver, with estimated shipping slipping by around two to three weeks. For a flagship Apple release, that level of availability suggests demand may be softer than usual, or that Apple prepared a larger supply for launch.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max appears to be performing better. Some lower-capacity versions, including the 256GB Burgundy model, began seeing later delivery windows within the first hour of pre-orders. Since then, many iPhone 18 Pro Max color and storage combinations have moved to shipping estimates of two to three weeks. However, select higher-capacity models, including some 1TB and 2TB options, remained easier to get.
Several factors could explain the slower start for the iPhone 18 Pro. Economic uncertainty may be making buyers more cautious about upgrading, especially as premium smartphone prices continue to climb. Apple also opened pre-orders on a Saturday, which may have affected early ordering patterns compared with the company’s usual launch rhythm.
Another major factor could be the iPhone Duo, Apple’s expected foldable iPhone. With pre-orders for the foldable model reportedly coming in October, some customers may be holding off before committing to the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. If buyers are curious about Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo could be creating unintended competition within Apple’s own lineup.
Still, it is too early to call the iPhone 18 Pro launch weak. Strong launch-day availability does not always mean poor demand. Apple may simply have produced more units ahead of release, giving shoppers more options and reducing the dramatic shipping delays that usually accompany new iPhone launches.
Early pre-order data only provides a limited snapshot of consumer interest. The full sales picture will depend on several factors, including retail demand, carrier promotions, global availability, reviews, and how consumers respond once the iPhone Duo is officially available for pre-order.
For now, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max appear to be off to a quieter start than previous Pro models. Whether that signals weaker demand, better inventory planning, or growing anticipation for Apple’s foldable iPhone remains to be seen.
