The iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max launched on 18 September 2026, with pre-orders beginning on 12 September. This article organizes the key points individual investors should know about inventory levels and differences in effective out-of-pocket costs among the 4 major carriers, as well as the characteristics of each purchasing channel.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launched simultaneously nationwide on 18 September 2026. The announcement was made on 10 September, and pre-orders reportedly began at 9:00 p.m. on 12 September. The article explains the launch schedule in detail, including the dates on which procedures began at each carrier.
Regarding availability, the Pro may be relatively easy to obtain in some cases, although inventory varies by color and storage capacity. Nearly all Pro Max models are awaiting restocking, and the fastest way to obtain one is reportedly limited to certain sales channels. Information indicates that delivery is often slower through carriers than through the official website.
For pricing and effective out-of-pocket costs, the article compares the costs of switching carriers among the 4 major carriers. The lowest is ¥22,900 at au, followed by ¥23,760 at SoftBank. Apple's official switching price is ¥199,800 and is said to be an option for keeping the device.
All 4 major carriers offer the iPhone 18 only as an eSIM device, and the article emphasizes that physical SIMs cannot be used. It also explains points to note when using a device-return program, trends in the lowest prices by storage capacity, and the importance of checking store inventory in advance.
In summary, au is presented as the least expensive option if the device will be returned, while purchasing through Apple's official store is advantageous for those who want to keep the device.