Vietnam Expected in First Wave of iPhone 18 Pro Global Launch

Vietnam is expected to be among the first markets to receive the new iPhone 18 Pro in its global launch, according to sources from major local retail chains. This marks the second consecutive year Vietnam is anticipated to be part of the initial wave of releases. Following Apple's typical launch schedule, preorders usually commence shortly after the unveiling, with retail availability beginning a week later. The anticipated release date for the iPhone 18 Pro this year is September 18. This timing is further supported by several companies selling iPhone 18 accessories in Vietnam, who have stated they are only permitted to introduce their products from September 18, indicating the new phones could hit shelves on that day. The initial release is expected to include only the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple's new foldable iPhone could go on sale later in September, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are slated for an early next year debut. Apple is expected to open preorders through its online store and authorized retailers in Vietnam about a week before the phones go on sale. Preorders are anticipated to begin on Saturday, September 12, a day later than Apple's usual Friday schedule. This shift is reportedly due to September 11 marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the U.S., a scheduling adjustment previously seen with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, according to tech site MacRumors. Last year, the iPhone 17 set a preorder record in Vietnam, attracting hundreds of thousands of orders on September 13. A spokesperson for a major retail chain noted at the time that an order for a new Apple phone was placed on average once every 40 seconds on the first day. The Pro and Pro Max models have consistently drawn the strongest interest among Vietnamese consumers. At its September 9 launch event, the U.S. tech giant could also unveil the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, a new-generation Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini 2 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone. Some sources also predict the company could introduce its first smart home device with a display, widely referred to as the HomePad. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are not expected to undergo major design changes but could receive upgrades including improved cameras, potentially the longest battery life of any iPhone, a smaller Dynamic Island, and four color options: dark red, black/gray, silver, and light blue.