Buyers Pay a Premium to Skip Weeks-Long Wait for 512GB Model.
Some shoppers in Deira are paying as much as Dh300 above the regular price to get their hands on the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max immediately, rather than waiting several weeks for delivery through official distribution channels.
Apple’s UAE online store lists the 512GB Burgundy variant — which traders say is currently the most sought-after option — at Dh6,349. As of October 6, the website indicated an estimated delivery window in Dubai between October 28 and November 4.
Mohammed Mustafa, a mobile phone trader in Deira Market, said demand for the Burgundy version is noticeably stronger than for other colour options.
According to Mustafa, Burgundy is currently the only colour attracting such a significant premium, with buyers willing to spend extra to avoid the delivery wait.
Mustafa said the premium being charged for the Burgundy model could gradually decline as more units become available in the market.
He explained that newly introduced flagship colours often attract strong interest immediately after launch, creating temporary demand that can push prices higher. A similar trend was seen with the orange iPhone 17 Pro last year, he added.
At Gargash Market, mobile phone seller Obaidullah Jasir said Apple’s current delivery schedule is also encouraging some customers to explore local retailers rather than wait for an online order.
Jasir noted that Apple’s estimated delivery window for the 512GB Burgundy model had moved to between October 28 and November 4. While the device is also listed on several online shopping platforms, he said orders are sometimes restricted to limited booking windows that open periodically.
For customers, the decision may come down to whether paying a premium for immediate availability is worth avoiding the wait for an online delivery. Prices at local shops can vary depending on the colour, storage capacity and available stock, so buyers may want to confirm these details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Traders said other colour options, including black, silver and glacier, are generally selling at prices closer to Apple’s official UAE rates.
Meanwhile, Apple has announced its new iPhone Duo, with UAE pre-orders scheduled to begin at 4pm on October 16 ahead of its release on October 23. Traders expect the launch to attract additional shoppers to Deira’s mobile phone markets during the month.
