Heres when you can preorder the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo
Apple has officially unveiled its new flagship lineup, featuring the highly anticipated iPhone Duo foldable phone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series begin on Saturday, September 12, starting at $1,199, while the foldable iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Friday, October 16, starting at $1,999. In this complete guide, you will discover release dates, full pricing details, new color finishes, store options, and Apple's new monthly leasing program.
Apple Event Announcement: The Foldable iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Are Here
Rumors of Apple's foldable iPhone have been flying for years, but now we finally have official confirmation: the iPhone Duo is coming this October. At Apple's Sept. 9 event, held live at Apple Park during the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, the tech giant announced the full collection of new iPhones coming this autumn. The lineup includes the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the innovative foldable iPhone Duo.
September marks the official start of fall, back-to-school season, and the annual launch of Apple's newest smartphones. For years, tech fans have counted on Apple releasing its primary smartphone hardware in September, and this year continues that tradition. However, buyers looking for a standard entry-level device might notice something missing. We didn't get the base model iPhone 18 this September - it is currently rumored to be released in spring 2027.
Whether your older iPhone is approaching the end of its lifespan, or you have spent years waiting for a dual-screen foldable device from Apple, the wait is almost over. Depending on which device catches your eye, preorders are right around the corner.
Complete Pricing Breakdown for iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro
Apple has provided full price points for each configuration in the new autumn hardware release. Here is how the starting costs align across the lineup:
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (burgundy, glacier, silver, and black) - Preorders begin 9/12, starting at $1,199
Apple iPhone Duo (star white and night sky) - Preorders begin 10/16, starting at $1,999
While the exact pricing tiers have been confirmed, neither device is available for immediate checkout today. Understanding the timeline will ensure you are prepared when your preferred model opens for order online.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in a stunning new burgundy finish. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
When are the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max available for preorder?
Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max officially begin on Saturday, Sept. 12. Both pro-tier devices will be released in retail stores and begin customer deliveries on Friday, Sept. 18.
Shoppers can secure their order through multiple retail channels. The devices will be offered directly from the Apple Store, as well as major retail partners including Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive in four distinct color options: burgundy, glacier (a light blue shade), silver, and black. Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max - Starting at $1,199 at Apple. Preorders begin Saturday, Sept. 12.
When is the iPhone Duo available for preorder?
If you are planning to purchase Apple's first foldable smartphone, the schedule requires a slightly longer wait. Preorders for the iPhone Duo do not start until Friday, Oct. 16. The foldable device will become officially available in stores on Friday, Oct. 23.
Just like the Pro series, iPhone Duo preorders will be processed through the Apple Store, along with Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
The foldable iPhone Duo launches in two color options: star white and night sky (a rich navy tone). Pricing begins at $1,999 for the baseline 256GB storage configuration, while the top-tier 2TB model reaches $3,199.
Apple iPhone Duo - Starting at $1,999. Preorders begin Friday, Oct. 16.
How to buy the new iPhones: Outright Purchase vs. Apple Leasing
Buying an iPhone has traditionally meant paying full price upfront or spreading payments over monthly carrier installments. Apple customers can continue using standard payment methods, including financing through the Apple Card or taking advantage of monthly installment plans from mobile carriers. However, alongside the new hardware launches, Apple has introduced an entirely new purchasing model.
With the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, customers can now choose to lease both devices. Similar to an automotive lease, you do not take permanent ownership of the phone. Instead, you pay a consistent monthly fee for device access. These official Apple leases run on a 24-month term and provide the flexibility to upgrade your hardware at any point during the agreement.
Monthly lease rates differ between models:
- iPhone 18 Pro Lease: Starts at $34.99 per month for 24 months with upgrade flexibility.
- iPhone Duo Lease: Starts at $57.99 per month for 24 months with upgrade flexibility.
Comparing the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Lineup
Choosing between the flagship iPhone 18 Pro series and the foldable iPhone Duo comes down to your personal workflow, budget, and desired form factor. Here is how the key specifications compare side by side:
- Preorder Start Dates: iPhone 18 Pro preorders launch on September 12, whereas iPhone Duo preorders launch on October 16.
- In-Store Release Dates: iPhone 18 Pro arrives on September 18, while the iPhone Duo hits store shelves on October 23.
- Starting Outright Price: $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro ($1,299 for Pro Max) vs. $1,999 for the iPhone Duo (up to $3,199 for 2TB).
- Monthly Lease Options: $34.99/month for iPhone 18 Pro vs. $57.99/month for iPhone Duo over a 24-month period.
- Available Colors: Burgundy, glacier, silver, and black for iPhone 18 Pro vs. star white and night sky for iPhone Duo.
Top phone deals this week
If you prefer to grab an existing smartphone deal today rather than waiting for autumn shipping dates, major carriers and retailers are offering substantial savings on popular Android and Apple models.
iPhone 17 - Available for $0 at T-Mobile (Regular price $899, Save $899).
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 - Priced at $1,899.99 at Samsung. Also available at Amazon and T-Mobile.
Google Pixel 11 Pro - Available for $1,008.42 at Amazon (Regular price $1,099, Save $90.58). Also available at Best Buy.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra AI Smartphone - Free at AT&T Wireless with eligible trade-in and unlimited plan. Also available at Amazon and Best Buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro
When can I preorder the iPhone Duo?
Preorders for the foldable iPhone Duo open on Friday, October 16. The device will be officially released and available in stores on Friday, October 23.
How much does the iPhone Duo cost?
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for the 256GB base model. Storage upgrades increase the price, culminating in the fully maxed-out 2TB version priced at $3,199.
What colors are available for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in burgundy, glacier (light blue), silver, and black. The iPhone Duo comes in star white and night sky (navy).
Is there a standard base iPhone 18 releasing this fall?
No, Apple did not unveil a standard base iPhone 18 at the September event. Rumors indicate the base iPhone 18 model is scheduled for release in spring 2027.
Where can I preorder the new iPhone models?
You can preorder both the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Duo through the official Apple Store, as well as major retail partners including Best Buy, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
Conclusion
The arrival of the iPhone Duo marks a major milestone for Apple as it enters the foldable smartphone market alongside the upgraded iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. With preorders beginning Saturday, September 12 for the Pro line and Friday, October 16 for the foldable Duo, prospective buyers have exciting hardware choices ahead. Be sure to check retailer trade-in offers or explore Apple's new 24-month leasing program to secure the best deal on your preferred device.
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.
from Mashable
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