Pre-Order Check Reveals January 22 Delivery Date, Three Months After Launch.
Dubai: Customers in the UAE hoping to get their hands on Apple’s first foldable iPhone could face a wait until 2027, even though the device is officially scheduled to launch on October 23.
During a pre-order attempt on Apple’s UAE online store, Gulf News found that the checkout page showed an estimated delivery date of January 22, 2027, almost three months after the phone’s scheduled release.
However, the delivery estimate was observed during a single checkout attempt and could differ depending on the model, storage option and stock availability. Customers who placed their orders earlier may also have received different delivery estimates.
Apple began accepting pre-orders for the iPhone Duo in the UAE on Friday, October 16, alongside several other markets ahead of its official launch.
US customers also face delivery delays until 2027
The lengthy delivery estimates are not limited to the UAE, with similar delays reported in the United States shortly after pre-orders went live.
According to technology news website 9to5Mac, estimated shipping dates began moving into January 2027 within minutes of Apple opening pre-orders.
By 8.30am US Eastern Time on Friday, every colour and storage configuration checked by the publication was showing an estimated delivery date of January 25, 2027, or later, suggesting strong early demand for Apple’s first foldable smartphone.
The reported delivery delays primarily affect newly placed orders. Customers who completed their purchases soon after pre-orders opened may have secured delivery slots closer to the official launch date.
Apple has not revealed how many iPhone Duo units have been allocated to the UAE or other international markets, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the delivery delays.
What is the iPhone Duo price in the UAE?
The iPhone Duo is available in four storage configurations, with prices starting at Dh8,499.
- 256GB: Dh8,499
- 512GB: Dh9,349
- 1TB: Dh11,049
- 2TB: Dh13,599
Apple’s foldable smartphone features a 5.4-inch external display that expands into a larger 7.6-inch screen when unfolded. The device is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip.
Its foldable design allows users to operate it like a traditional smartphone when closed, while the larger internal display offers more space for watching videos, reading and multitasking.
Already pre-ordered? Here’s what UAE customers should know
Apple’s official UAE launch date for the iPhone Duo remains October 23. However, the launch date does not necessarily mean that every customer will receive their device on that day.
Customers planning to purchase the phone can view the estimated delivery date for their preferred model and storage configuration on Apple’s UAE online store before completing their payment.
Those who have already placed an order can track its progress and check the expected arrival date through their Apple account or the order confirmation details.
Delivery timelines may also change as Apple fulfils existing orders, replenishes inventory and updates stock availability.
