UAE Residents Eagerly Await iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Amid Pre-Order Surge
As pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max commenced on Saturday, an intriguing trend has emerged among UAE residents, with some willing to pay an additional Dh1,500 to acquire the latest models, as reported by local retailers.
“The demand for the new iPhones is robust, and a segment of customers is prepared to exceed the official price by up to Dh1,500 to secure the device on launch day,” noted Moideen Mustafa from Phoneline in Deira.
“The 512GB iteration is traditionally favored, and we are already witnessing significant interest in the 512GB iPhone 18 Pro Max.”
Mustafa further commented that the additional cost may diminish after the initial days of pre-orders. “By the third day, the premium could settle around Dh1,000. However, predicting this is quite complex, as it hinges on the dynamics of supply and demand,” he explained.
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Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models on Thursday, with pre-orders launching promptly at 4 PM UAE time on Saturday, September 12. Customers can anticipate the devices’ official release in the UAE on September 18.
Buyers have the flexibility to select their preferred model, storage capacity, and color, with the option of home delivery or in-store pickup, where applicable.
The new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are offered in four distinct colors: black, silver, glacier, and an innovative burgundy hue.
According to Mustafa, the burgundy variant has quickly risen to popularity, with numerous users specifically inquiring about it.
On the Friday evening preceding the launch, the Apple store in Dubai Mall experienced a bustling atmosphere, as numerous customers arrived eager to glimpse the new phones.
“Many individuals are requesting to view the new devices,” remarked an employee at the Apple store. “We have been informing them that the models will only be on display after Friday.
There is palpable excitement surrounding the launch, particularly concerning the Duo. We anticipate that interest will heighten once the new offerings become available.”
Lukewarm Reception Compared to Previous Launches
Conversely, Mohammed Shareef, owner of Extel Mobiles, characterized the response to this year’s iPhone models as tepid compared to prior launches.
“Typically, we see around 2,000 pre-orders at this stage. However, this year, the pre-orders are markedly lower,” he stated.
Shareef identified several factors contributing to this subdued enthusiasm. “Foremost among them is the current regional instability, prompting consumers to adopt a more cautious approach to their expenditures,” he observed. “Many are opting to defer their purchases until they have reviewed the devices thoroughly.”
Another contributing factor appears to be the anticipation surrounding the iPhone Duo. Pre-orders for this model are set to commence on Friday, October 16, with availability scheduled for Friday, October 23.
“This marks the inaugural launch of Apple’s foldable design, generating considerable excitement among enthusiasts,” Shareef explained. “We expect a more pronounced impact when this model is introduced in October.”
Source link: Khaleejtimes.com.
