18 September,2026 02:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
iPhone enthusiasts gather at Apple’s BKC store in Mumbai as sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max begin in India. Pic/ Screengrab
Long queues were seen outside Apple stores on Friday across India as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale, with customers arriving hours before opening time to buy the latest models.
In Mumbai, a large number of customers gathered at the Apple Store in BKC, with buyers turning up early for the first-day sale of the new iPhones.
A customer who travelled from Surat to Mumbai to buy the newly launched iPhone 18 series said, "I came all the way from Surat and bought both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The journey took around five to six hours. After reaching Mumbai, I waited for another six hours and spent nearly two and a half hours in the queue before finally getting the phones in my hands."
"I have been emotionally connected with the iPhone for a long time. For iPhone users, getting the new phone on the first day matters, whether or not there are major changes in the device. When launch day comes, I feel I have to buy it on the first day," he added.
"The iPhone is different. Once you get used to its interface, you become very comfortable with it. It is so easy to use that you do not feel like switching to another device. You can use Google or Samsung, but once you have an iPhone in your hands, you do not feel the need for anything else.
"I am very happy, absolutely happy and 100 per cent satisfied. I have been waiting since 10 pm..."
Another customer waiting at the BKC Apple Store to buy the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro Max said, "I have booked two units. I wanted to buy the phone because I noticed several new updates and features this time. I particularly liked two colours - Cherry and Glacier.
"Glacier is my favourite because I am a BGMI lover. You may know what the Glacier colour looks like. Since I like it so much, I am buying one phone for myself and another for my sister."
Apple has rolled out its 2026 fall lineup, which includes the iPhone 18 Pro series, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo.
A customer who travelled from Gujarat to Mumbai to buy the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro said, "I came from Gujarat. First, I went to Lalbaugcha Raja for darshan. After that, I finished everything there and reached the Apple Store at around 6 am.
"I have booked the iPhone 18 Pro, which costs around Rs 1.64 lakh. In terms of features, it has a new camera shutter, a smaller Dynamic Island and the new A20 processor. There is also a new Cherry Red colour."
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in black, silver, glacier, and a new burgundy finish.
Both models feature a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture and new Pro camera controls. They are powered by Apple's A20 Pro chip and feature a new vapour chamber designed to improve performance, AI capabilities and battery life.
Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the longest battery life on a Pro model. In India, pre-orders for both models began on September 12, with sales starting on September 18.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900 for the 256GB variant. The 512GB, 1TB and 2TB variants are priced at Rs 1,89,900, Rs 2,39,900 and Rs 3,14,900, respectively.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900 for the 256GB variant. The 512GB, 1TB and 2TB models are priced at Rs 2,04,900, Rs 2,54,900 and Rs 3,29,900, respectively.
Apple has also launched AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design. According to the company, the new earbuds can remove up to 50 per cent more outside noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.
The AirPods 5 also feature a new acoustic design, Adaptive EQ, hands-free Siri AI, Live Translation and Siri Interactions through head movements.
The Wireless Charging Case version offers up to five hours of listening time with ANC and includes volume controls on the stem. In India, pre-orders began on September 9, with availability starting on September 18.
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 feature the Health Sensing System and S11 chip. Both watches offer heart-rate sensing, more frequent heart-rate and HRV readings, and a new readiness score.
The Apple Watch Series 12 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours. The Ultra 4 can also track outdoor workouts for up to 45 hours.
Pre-orders for both models began in India on September 9, with availability starting on September 18.
The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone and comes with a 7.6-inch inner Super Retina XDR display and a 5.4-inch outer display.
When unfolded, the iPhone Duo is the thinnest iPhone, according to Apple. It is powered by the A20 Pro chip and features an advanced camera system, all-day battery life and new multitasking capabilities.
The foldable phone will also support dual-display experiences through iOS 27, Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.
