Global iPhone 18 Launch
Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro Models Globally Amid Strong Demand and Celebrity Buzz
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Key Points
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At Apple’s Sydney flagship, 20-year-old Lachlan Collyer camped out to be first in line, but a rival customer cut ahead and shouted, “I’m the first! I’m the first! All the f—king news lies!” Collyer was nevertheless regarded by Apple staff and other customers as the genuine first buyer.
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The new phones can charge to 50% in 20 minutes, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is reported to deliver up to six additional hours of video playback compared with its predecessor.
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In India, buyers could choose storage capacities up to 2TB. The iPhone 18 Pro Max ranges from ₹179,900 for 256GB to ₹329,900 for 2TB, while the iPhone 18 Pro reaches ₹314,900 for the 2TB version.
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The launch drew unusually determined Indian buyers: one customer traveled from Punjab to Noida and waited from 6 a.m. to collect his preorder, while another buyer at a Delhi store said he had come for the 1TB Pro Max despite already using an iPhone 17 Pro.
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In South Africa, reviewers said the previous-generation iPhone 17 Pro remained a strong value alternative: it was listed at R24,999, compared with R28,799 for the new iPhone 18 Pro, while the 17 Pro Max was R27,999 versus R31,299 for the 18 Pro Max.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launched globally on September 18, drawing long lines and strong first-day demand across Australia, India, and other markets. The new phones feature a smaller Dynamic Island powered by under-display infrared Face ID, an A20 Pro chip, and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera with physical variable aperture. Tech Outlets noted strong charging speeds—50% battery in 20 minutes—but described the overall upgrades as incremental for owners of recent iPhone 16 or 17 models.
In Australia, a 20-year-old camper named Lachlan Collyer waited overnight at Apple's Sydney flagship to be first in line, only to have a rival customer cut ahead and shout at news cameras. Apple staff and other customers still regarded Collyer as the genuine first buyer. Indian prices start at ₹164,900 for the Pro and ₹179,900 for the Pro Max, with storage options up to 2TB available.
Celebrity Endorsements Drive Hype in India
Bollywood stars embraced the launch across India and at Apple Park. News Reports show Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh showcased the phones in Glacier Blue and Burgundy finishes, while Sonam Kapoor shared images of the Pro Max and expressed interest in Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Duo. Actors Triptii Dimri and musician AP Dhillon attended the official launch event at Apple Park.
Fast Charging and Battery Gains
The iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers six additional hours of video playback compared with its predecessor. Both models charge to 50% battery in just 20 minutes, a major speed improvement. Tech Reviews praised the charging and battery performance as standout features, though they noted the Pro Max's 6.9-inch display and enhanced photography remain the main draws for upgrading.
Determined Indian Buyers Travel Far for Launch Day
Indian customers showed unusual enthusiasm, traveling long distances to secure phones on launch day. One buyer journeyed from Punjab to Noida and waited from 6 a.m. to collect his preorder. Another Delhi shopper said he drove for the 1TB Pro Max despite already owning an iPhone 17 Pro. Local Retailers reported strong foot traffic across Mumbai, Delhi, and Noida stores throughout launch day.
South Africa Sees Value in Previous Generation
South African reviewers noted the older iPhone 17 Pro remains a strong value choice. Regional Analysis shows the 17 Pro priced at R24,999 versus R28,799 for the new 18 Pro, while the 17 Pro Max costs R27,999 compared with R31,299 for the 18 Pro Max. For cost-conscious buyers, the previous generation still delivers solid performance at lower prices.
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