S’pore iPhone 18 launch: Queue started at 11pm, 1 person picked up at least 33 iPhones on behalf of others

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max hit Singapore's stores on September 18, 2026. A massive queue had already formed outside the Apple store in Orchard by 5:35am when the Mothership team arrived. Over 120 eager shoppers had already lined up, each sporting a wristband that granted them entry a day earlier on September 17.

Security staff reported that the line began forming earnestly at around 4am. The store doors swung open at 8am, with Apple staff initiating a countdown as the clock ticked down. As soon as the doors swung open, customers scrambled to inspect and purchase the latest devices.

Hector Yong, a 19-year-old student, was the first in Singapore to lay hands on a brand new iPhone 18 Pro Max. The phone came in the coveted "Glacier" colorway, and Yong felt honored to be the first local to try the new model. He was particularly excited about the improved display after learning that Apple had successfully trimmed down the dynamic island.

Another regular customer, Vu Tran, a 30-year-old Vietnamese national who works in construction, was back for this year's launch. Tran flew in from overseas and helped his wife and mother get their hands on the new iPhones. He was accompanied by friends during his visit.

One individual was observed collecting an astounding 33 iPhones, though he declined to comment when approached by the Mothership reporter. He likely procured the phones on behalf of others. Apple employees set a strict limit of two iPhone 18 Pro and two iPhone 18 Pro Max per person.

Unfortunately, the new iPhones sold out before 10am on the launch day. However, a select few units remained at Courts Nojima at The Heeren, limited to one set per customer. A line had already formed outside the store as well. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were available in four new colorways: Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black.

Here's the price breakdown for the new phones: the iPhone 18 Pro starts at S$1,899 for the 256GB model, jumps to S$2,199 for the 512GB, S$2,799 for 1TB, and peaks at S$3,699 for the 2TB version. For the Pro Max, prices begin at S$2,099 for the 256GB model, rise to S$2,399 for the 512GB, S$2,999 for the 1TB, and top out at S$3,899 for the 2TB option.