Chapter 1: Upcoming iPhone 16 Launch

The pre-order period for the iPhone 16 series has been adjusted this year. Instead of the usual Friday release on September 13, pre-orders will commence a day earlier, on Thursday, September 12, according to the German site, Macerkopf. The reasoning behind this change remains unclear.

It's worth noting that any superstitions related to the launch occurring on Friday the 13th can be dismissed, as Apple has previously stated they don't believe in such folklore—evidenced by the release of the iPhone 13.

The earlier-than-expected pre-order date doesn't provide sufficient justification for the shift. However, there's reason to trust the information from the site: Last year, Apple allowed customers to select the desired iPhone model online the evening before pre-orders opened. This enabled customers to have their chosen models ready in their online carts, allowing them to complete their purchase as soon as pre-orders began. I anticipate Apple will replicate this approach this year.

Thus, while pre-orders will officially begin on Friday, September 13, you can prepare ahead of time the previous evening.

Following this, the release of the iPhone adheres to a predictable timeline, which includes Apple announcing the launch event and culminating in the devices reaching consumers.

Step 1: Official Invitations Sent

This took place on Monday, August 26, confirming the date and time for the unveiling of new products.

Step 2: The Apple Launch Event

We learned that the event would occur at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino on Monday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Interestingly, I predicted the event would be held on Monday while others speculated it would be on Tuesday, September 10. Check my reasoning here. Excuse my moment of pride; it may be the last time I have an accurate scoop like this.

Step 3: Pre-Orders Commence

This date typically follows a consistent pattern, usually set for the Friday a week prior to the official sale date, which is usually the week after the launch event. This year, that means pre-orders might begin on September 15. While the exact time could vary, last year's pre-orders kicked off at 5 a.m. Pacific, 8 a.m. Eastern, and 1 p.m. in the U.K.

Step 4: iOS 18 Release

This update often coincides with the launch event, but I suspect it will arrive the following Monday, September 16, around 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern, and 6 p.m. U.K. If your current iPhone supports iOS 17, it should also be compatible with iOS 18, as the compatibility list remains the same back to the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr.

Step 5: iPhone Reviews Released

I predict that reviews will be published early in the week following the launch event, possibly on a different day than the Apple Watch reviews. Selected press may get their hands on the iPhones shortly after the event, with reviews likely appearing on Tuesday, September 17, or Wednesday, September 18, starting at 6 a.m. Pacific, 9 a.m. Eastern, and 2 p.m. U.K. However, this timing is subject to change.

Step 6: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Go on Sale

Traditionally, Apple launches the new iPhones the Friday after the event. Everything appears to be on schedule this year, so I hope this means the devices will be available for sale on September 20. Sales typically begin in the early morning hours, around 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. local time.

After that, we can start gearing up for the iPhone 17 launch! Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.

The first video titled "Apple Phone 16, iPhone 16 Pro Release Date Schedule: Your Complete Countdown" offers a comprehensive overview of the upcoming iPhone 16 release timeline, detailing everything from pre-order dates to major updates.

The second video, "iPhone 16 Pro Max - Countdown Release Dates, Pre Orders, and iOS 18 Update," dives into the anticipated release dates and pre-order information, along with insights into the new iOS update.