Apple Opens Pre-Orders for iPhone 18 Pro and New Wearables
Apple has activated its online store for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series, setting US prices between $1,200 and $2,400. While the foldable iPhone Duo remains unavailable until October, the new Pro models are ready for reservation now.
Apple’s online store is now live for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, allowing customers to secure their devices ahead of the official launch. Although pre-orders technically begin on September 12, the platform is already accepting configuration requests. For the standard Pro model, the starting price is $1,200 for the 256GB version, rising to $2,400 for the top-tier 2TB storage option. The larger Pro Max follows a similar pricing structure, with the 256GB model available at a comparable entry point.
The highly anticipated iPhone Duo, a foldable device, is not yet available for purchase. According to reports from GSMArena, this new form factor will not open for pre-orders until October 16, with general sales starting a week later on October 23. While third-party retailers like Walmart have listed the new Pro models with carrier deals, the Duo is absent from their inventories. Shoppers must decide whether to commit to the traditional slab design immediately or wait nearly two months for the flexible alternative.
Wearables Lineup Gets Significant Updates
Alongside the new phones, Apple has refreshed its accessory ecosystem with meaningful improvements to its wearables. The Apple Watch Series 12, available from retailers starting tomorrow, features upgraded optical and electrical heart rate sensors. It introduces several AI-driven audio capabilities, including the ability to detect important sounds for users with hearing difficulties, summarize recent conversations, and recall specific songs heard shortly before. These additions aim to make the watch a more comprehensive health and communication hub.
The new AirPods 5 also arrive with a price drop, challenging the perception that Apple products only increase in cost. This version improves noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and Adaptive EQ. Buyers have two options: a standard model with USB-C charging and a premium version that costs $20 more to include wireless charging for the case. This trade-off allows users to prioritize convenience in charging methods while keeping the overall cost lower than previous generations.
Retailer Availability and Carrier Options
Consumers have multiple channels to purchase the new hardware. Apple’s own store offers the full range of storage configurations for the Pro and Pro Max models. Meanwhile, major retailers like Walmart are already listing these devices, often bundling them with carrier deals that may reduce the upfront cost. However, the iPhone Duo is not yet visible on these third-party platforms, confirming that its retail rollout is strictly scheduled for late October. This staggered release creates a distinct choice for buyers: get the latest standard smartphone now or wait for the foldable technology to hit the market.
