Apple’s 2018 iPhone Launch: The Complete Guide

The day when Apple takes the wraps off new iPhones is almost here, and the closer we get to the official launch, the bigger the excitement appears to be all over the world.

This year’s iPhone launch party won’t be as special as the one in 2017 when Apple celebrated the 10th anniversary of its flagship product, but on the other hand, it’ll bring quite a few surprises.

First and foremost, Apple will launch not one, not two, but three different iPhone models based on a completely different approach.

Then, the iPhone unveiling won’t come all alone, as other product announcements are expected as well, including for Apple Watch fans.

Apple will also confirm the public availability of software updates that have been in beta for many months already, like iOS 12 and watchOS 5.

Keep reading to find all the details regarding this year’s iPhone generation and the conference that’s going to bring us all the goodies.

When?

Apple’s 2018 iPhone launch will take place on September 12 at 10 am PDT (local time in Cupertino, California). Needless to say, time will vary depending on your location across the world, but the event will be streamed online, so pretty much anyone should be able to watch it.

While a quick Google search should be able to convert 10 AM PDT to your local time, here’s when the 2018 iPhone launch will take place in some of the biggest cities across the world:  

Where?

The launch party for the new-generation iPhone will happen at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino at the company’s very own UFO-like headquarters.

This is the second year in a row when Apple launches new iPhones in this location, as the Steve Jobs Theater opened its doors for the first time in 2017 when the company unveiled the 10th anniversary iPhone.

Most likely, the Apple Park campus in Cupertino will be the location that Apple will use for many years from now, as the company has specifically built the theater with the sole purpose of hosting major product launches like this.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the new campus and buildings, and also try out Apple’s new products at the end of the conference for some hands-on time.

Apple's UFO-like HQ will host the debut of new iPhones

What to expect?

This is actually the more exciting part of this article and without a doubt, the most anticipated news of the September 12 iPhone event.

As said in the beginning, Apple will unveil a trio of iPhones, as well as a new-generation Apple Watch likely to hit the market as Apple Watch Series 4. You can read in-depth details about the products to be launched at the show in the links below:  

Technically, the iPhone X successor will feature a design similar to the original model and boast a 5.8-inch OLED display. RAM will be upgraded to 4GB and storage options will go up to 512GB. A similar edge-to-edge design with a notch at the top will be used and Face ID will be the security system that Apple will continue to rely on.

This particular model could hit the market as iPhone XS, as Apple could continue using the S brand for upgrades to its iPhone generation.

The second model will be a larger iPhone X with a similar design but a screen measuring 6.5 inches. Rumor has it the device could be called iPhone XS Max, but at the same time, there are leaks pointing to iPhone XS Plus, which makes more sense given the current naming scheme that Apple uses.

The third iPhone will be a more affordable configuration featuring a 6.1-inch LCD screen and launching with just a single-lens camera. This device could land as iPhone XC.

Pricing of the iPhone XC could start at $699, but there were reports suggesting it could go as high as $849. iPhone XS is likely to cost around $899 for the entry-level configuration, while the iPhone XS Plus may be priced from $999.

Apple Watch Series 4 will also see daylight at this event, and the biggest change will be a larger display with smaller bezels and increased screen estate. Under-the-hood improvements are likely too with could be a UV sensor, better heart-rate monitoring, and sleep tracking.

Software updates, including the final versions of iOS 12 and watchOS 5, will also be announced, and the official rollout will probably begin a few days after the event, possibly on September 14.

What NOT to expect?

While this event is likely to be all about new iPhones and Apple Watches, it’s safe to say that you won’t hear any updates about iPads and MacBooks.

Apple is expected to unveil a new iPad Pro sometime later this year, as the company is likely to bring Face ID to its tablets as well.

Upgraded MacBooks could also hit the shelves at some point in the near future, but in this case, a press event may not be held. Instead, Apple could just release an online announcement and that’s it.

Improved AirPods and other accessories are still uncertain for the September 12 launch event, but even if they do make it to the show, they won’t get substantial stage time.

New product availability

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max/Plus, together with the Apple Watch Series 4, are likely to go up on pre-order on Friday, September 14. If the typical release schedule is being used, the three devices should begin shipping a week later on September 21.

Rumor has it that the iPhone XC could be held back for approximately one more month in order to give the premium models exclusive time on the market.

This means that Apple could use the iPhone X release schedule, so pre-orders for the iPhone XC could start in late October, while shipments may commence in early November.

The same thing for dual-SIM variants of these new iPhones, as Apple is said to be working on such configurations for at least one device. Their launch could happen later this year, possibly together with the iPhone XC.

Where to watch?

As mentioned, Apple will stream the event online, so even if you live in another corner of the globe, you’ll still be able to watch Tim Cook and the rest of the executive team taking the wraps off the new iPhones.

The link for the live streaming isn’t live just yet, but we’ll update this article with the video when it becomes available. Just check back on September 12 to see it.

The event will be live streamed on Apple devices, and on Windows 10 you’ll be able to watch it with Microsoft Edge. On Macs, you’re going to need Safari.