iPhone 18 Pro Expected to Launch September 2026 β Apple to Introduce New Ultra Model
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in early-to-mid September 2026, including the all-new iPhone Ultra β the most premium device Apple has ever made. Pre-orders are expected to begin on September 11 or 18, 2026, with retail availability starting a week later (according to 9to5Mac, April 17, 2026).
When Will the iPhone 18 Pro Launch?
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro on September 9, 2026 (Wednesday) or September 14, 2026 (Monday), following the companyβs annual launch pattern. Pre-orders are expected to open on Friday, September 11 or 18, with retail sales beginning on September 18 or 25, 2026 (according to 9to5Mac).
Appleβs pattern has been remarkably consistent β announcements typically fall in the first or second week of September, followed by pre-orders on Friday and shipping starting a week later. Since the iPhone 6 in 2014, Apple has only deviated from this schedule once, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
What Models Are in the iPhone 18 Lineup?
The iPhone 18 lineup is expected to consist of five models, including a brand-new premium tier. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max remain as the main flagship options, while the new iPhone Ultra sits above as the most premium and expensive model (according to 9to5Mac and Bloomberg).
iPhone 18 Pro β Main flagship, expected September 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Max β Large-screen flagship, expected September 2026
iPhone Ultra β Most premium model (new), expected September 2026
iPhone Air β Lightweight and thin model, expected September 2026
iPhone 18 (base) β Entry-level model, delayed to early 2027
The most notable change is the introduction of the iPhone Ultra as a new tier above the Pro Max. Meanwhile, the base iPhone 18 is expected to be delayed until early 2027 β a split launch strategy rarely employed by Apple (according to 9to5Mac).
What Are the Key Rumored Features of the iPhone 18 Pro?
While full technical details have not been officially confirmed by Apple, rumored features from industry analysts include four new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro, a new Liquid Glass design aesthetic, next-generation processor performance improvements, as well as camera system and battery capacity enhancements.
Apple typically saves official feature announcements until the September launch event, so full details are expected to be revealed in less than five months.
What Is the iPhone Ultra and How Is It Different?
The iPhone Ultra is expected to be the most expensive and advanced iPhone Apple has ever made, positioned above the iPhone Pro Max in the product hierarchy. This follows Appleβs strategy with the Apple Watch Ultra β offering the highest specifications and premium materials for users who want the very best (according to multiple industry reports).
With the introduction of the Ultra model, Apple now offers four clear iPhone tiers: base, Air, Pro, and Ultra β giving consumers more choice based on their budget and needs.
When Will the iPhone 18 Pro Be Available in Malaysia?
Based on previous launch patterns, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be available in Malaysia within one to two weeks after the global launch. Apple typically launches in first-wave countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia first, with Malaysia in the second or third wave.
Official Malaysian pricing has not been announced. For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro currently starts from RM5,499 in Malaysia (according to Apple.com/my). The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be in a similar or slightly higher price range, especially with the introduction of the new Ultra model that may influence the overall lineup pricing structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can the iPhone 18 Pro be purchased in Malaysia?
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be available in Malaysia by late September or early October 2026, based on Appleβs previous launch patterns that typically bring products to Southeast Asia in the second wave.
Will the base iPhone 18 also launch in September 2026?
No. According to 9to5Mac reports, the base iPhone 18 is expected to be delayed until early 2027. Only the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, Ultra, and Air are expected to launch in September 2026.
What is the difference between iPhone Ultra and iPhone Pro Max?
The iPhone Ultra sits above the Pro Max as Appleβs most premium model with the highest specifications and exclusive premium materials β similar to how the Apple Watch Ultra is positioned above standard models.
