Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
David Phelan
Update June 28. This post, first published on Saturday, June 27, has been updated to include more details on the exact (predicted) release schedule for this year’s flagship iPhones.
Nothing is certain until it’s confirmed, but a new clue emerged this week as to when the iPhone 18 Pro will be released to the general public. The release of the second developer beta of iOS 27, the software that will power the new phones, couldn’t have come at a better time. This means that the expected schedule is clearer than before. Here’s an updated timeline of how software releases will determine the hardware that ships with them, down to the minute, so you can mark your calendar or even set an alarm!
By the way, along with the iPhone 18 Pro, I’m expecting an iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable phone, possibly called the iPhone Ultra. Oh, and I predict that there will be two new Apple Watches, and possibly more, all announced on the same day, although as we’ll see below, they may not all go on sale at the same time.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro release schedule: iOS 27 betas for developers
The second developer beta of iOS 27 was released on Monday, June 22, 2026. This is important because it shows that things are going according to plan. Remember, this is a big year for Apple: the long-awaited new Siri is promised for the launch of iOS 27, and so far so good with the new release.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Release Schedule: iOS 27 Public Betas
Next, expect a third developer beta around July 6th. Then the first public beta. This was late last year, right after the fourth developer beta (July 22 for developers and July 24 for public).
I believe this year will see a return to previous years’ schedule, meaning the first public beta will release a few days after July 6th – although this could change.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro release schedule: iOS 27 Release Candidate
There will likely be eight or nine developer betas and six public betas if previous years are simulated.
Then, around September 9th, we should see a Release Candidate for both developers and the public beta.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Release Schedule: September Report
This is the most important date in the release calendar. Unless there is a change so uncharacteristic that it might lead to questions like, โIs this really Apple?โ the date of the keynote strictly determines the rest of the schedule. That’s because the latest iPhone has been going on sale on Friday the week after the keynote for more than a decade. I am confident that this order will be followed this year.
I believe this year’s keynote will fall on the same calendar date as the previous two years, which is September 9th, the same date as the iOS 27 Release Candidate. This year September 9th is Wednesday. Apple keynotes are almost always held on Monday or Tuesday, but not always on the day or day after Labor Day, which falls on Monday, September 7th. Hence, I am convinced that the keynote will be Wednesday, September 9th.
I believe it will be held at Apple Park and broadcast worldwide starting at 10am PT.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Release Schedule: iOS 27 General Release
For the past two years, this has happened on the Monday after the keynote. This means Monday, September 14th. This will allow users of the iPhone 11 to iPhone 17 series to download new software before the next iPhone goes on sale. What will happen (drumroll please)โฆ
Apple iPhone 18 Pro release schedule: on sale date
I’m predicting Friday, September 18th. I promised you the timing to the minute: Apple Stores open around the world early on iPhone Day. Barring major changes, customers will be able to pick up their pre-ordered iPhones in store at 7 a.m. local time.
As always, local time is key here: buyers in Sydney, Australia will be able to pick up the iPhone 18 Pro a full 17 hours earlier than those in Los Angeles.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will go on sale that day, although there is still a question mark regarding the iPhone Ultra. This is a completely new product category, the foldable phone, and there could be production issues that could delay the release by a week or two. This will become clearer in the coming weeks.