iPhone 18 mania: Buyers queue for hours across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru | WATCH

Apple’s latest iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale in India on Friday, drawing long queues outside Apple stores across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major cities.

The general sale began at 8 am, with customers also arriving to collect their pre-ordered devices. Videos from outside Apple outlets showed buyers waiting for hours to get their hands on the new models.

Buyers travel for new iPhones

The excitement was not limited to local customers. Some buyers travelled across state lines to purchase the new iPhones.

A customer from Punjab told news agency ANI that he had reached Noida early in the morning to collect his device.

"I bought two iPhone 18 Pro Max. I came from Punjab and have been standing in the queue since 6 AM. Mine was the very first booking. I am the first one who has got the phone," he said, adding that he came specially to buy the device.

At Apple’s Saket store in Delhi, another buyer said he was upgrading from his older iPhone.

"It is just a phone... rest we will use it and know how it performs. I just need to upgrade from my (iPhone) 15 Plus. It (iPhone 18) has many upgraded features and performance," he said.

Apple highlights camera and performance upgrades

Apple has positioned the Pro models around improvements to the camera, battery, performance and AI features.

The company describes the new lineup as offering “the most advanced camera in an iPhone, incredible battery life, next-level performance, and Siri AI”.

“With iPhone 18 Pro, we’ve made advancements to the areas our users care about most: camera, performance, battery, and intelligence. And we didn’t just make incremental improvements in these areas — we took huge leaps forward to create the best Pro iPhone we’ve ever made,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

The VP continued, “iPhone 18 Pro makes it easy for anyone to capture stunning photos and videos using variable aperture, while providing more versatility for creators and more control for pros. Paired with impactful upgrades to Photographic Styles and powerful video capabilities, iPhone 18 Pro unlocks entirely new ways for users to express themselves.”

According to Apple’s website, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is priced at Rs 1,79,900.

India-made Pro models available at launch

Pre-orders for both models opened on September 12 and saw a surge in traffic and bookings across the country.

For the first time, India-manufactured Pro and Pro Max models are available on launch day. Production has expanded through Foxconn and the Tata Group.

The phones are being sold through Apple’s online store and flagship outlets, along with major electronics retailers.