The iPhone 7 launch: what you need to know

Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story misstated the day the free download for Apple's IOS 10 mobile operating system will be available​

SAN FRANCISCO — So you want one of those new iPhones? Here's a timeline on availability, costs and features for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

When can I pre-order? 

Friday, 12:01 a.m. PT

Pre-orders began Friday for the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models, which promise better battery performance, water-resistant bodies, improved power and a dual-lens camera system that brings a wide angle and telephoto lens for the Plus model.

When do the new iPhones go on sale?

Friday, September 16

Apple hasn't said what time Apple Stores and other retailers will open to begin selling the device. Last year stores opened at 8 a.m. local time. Traditionally, the first pre-orders promise delivery by opening day -- and sometimes have arrived early. Many consumers have turned to pre-orders as a way to skip the long retail lines that used to accompany iPhone launches. But in the last few years, pre-orders sold out quickly. Two years ago, the iPhone 6 sold out within hours of it first going on sale. When that happens, delivery dates are pushed back at least 3-4 weeks.

As of Friday, the Jet Black edition was in demand, with delivery delayed as far as November for the bigger 7 Plus edition.

How much will it cost?

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus start at $649 and $749, with 32 GB of storage, an upgrade for the standard 16 GB that Apple has offered for several years. (This is a big deal for consumers, because as anyone who's owned an iPhone knows, take some pictures and videos and download a bunch of apps and you're soon out of storage.) The previous 6S and 6S Plus models have the same pricing, but upgraded storage -- they now start with 32 GB as well. The entry-level iPhone SE -- which has a 4-inch screen and many of the features of the bigger 6S model, still starts at $399, with 16 GB storage.

When can I download iOS 10?

September 13

The upgrade for Apple's mobile operating system, becomes available as a free download Tuesday. Apple hasn't said what time, but it's usually early in the morning Pacific Standard Time.  This year's edition is billed as the "biggest" ever for Apple, in terms of new features. Two key ones: Siri and iMessages. The personal digital assistant has been added to many apps, including LinkedIn, Lyft, Square Cash and Vonage, to dictate messages, hail a ride and make payments and calls. Texts will be more visual in new iMessage, with stickers, bigger emojis and the ability to draw pictures and emotions within the text itself. Recipients will need to have recent Apple devices in order to see the visuals. Adding IOS 10 to recent iPhones will bring these new features for free.

Apple's iMessages will be more visual in iOS 10

When can I get those new wireless earbuds?

AirPods, late October

The new, teeny wireless bluetooth headphones were unveiled at Apple's event Wednesday, to accompany the controversial decision to ditch the headphone jack in favor of next-generation wireless sound. However, they won't be available until late next month. You can use the the AirPods to listen to music or talk on the phone. They will sell for $159. (Purchasers of the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus phones will get a set of free wired headphones, called EarPods, in the box, that connect to the Lightning port of the iPhone.)

Follow USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham on Twitter, @jeffersongraham.