Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will hit stores across the UAE on September 18, following strong demand during the pre-order period.
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set to go on sale across the UAE on Friday, September 18, after a pre-order period that attracted significant demand. Some customers reported that available devices were snapped up in less than 20 minutes.
For dedicated Apple fans, securing a new iPhone during the pre-order rush required careful preparation. Indian expatriate Abdul Rafeeque said he prepared several hours in advance by signing into his account, linking his credit card and completing his trade-in estimate before pre-orders opened on Saturday.
With excitement around the new iPhones reaching its height, those who missed the pre-order period may be wondering whether they can still get their hands on one. Here’s a look at the available buying options, expected prices and what customers can anticipate when visiting stores.
Can you buy an iPhone 18 Pro as a walk-in customer?
Not on launch day. As with the previous year, Apple will not offer walk-in purchases when the new models first go on sale. Customers who placed pre-orders for store collection will receive an email confirming when their devices are ready and specifying their pickup date and time. They will then have up to one week from the availability date to collect their order.
However, an Apple customer service representative told Khaleej Times that additional units could become available in stores after Friday, September 18, once pre-ordered devices have been distributed. Any remaining stock may then be offered to walk-in customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much do the new iPhones cost?
The iPhone 18 Pro is priced from Dh5,099 for the 256GB model, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Dh5,499.
Storage configurations extend up to 2TB, with top-end models priced at Dh10,199 for the Pro and Dh10,599 for the Pro Max.
Customers can also reduce the cost by trading in an eligible device, with estimated trade-in credits ranging from Dh160 to Dh3,260 depending on the model and condition.
What can you do if you missed the pre-order?
Customers hoping to secure a device as soon as possible can check availability at Apple Stores in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall and Al Maryah Island after pre-order collections have been completed.
Telecom operators e& and du may also have limited quantities available with selected mobile plans. Noon Minutes offered a pre-order option as well, although its available stock has already sold out.
Independent mobile phone retailers, particularly those in Deira and Bur Dubai, are another option for buyers hoping to secure a device on the first day. Several shops have reportedly ordered stock ahead of the launch, although customers may have to pay above the official retail price due to high demand.
Mohammed Shareef, owner of Extel Mobiles, said his store had arranged pre-orders and had also received enquiries from customers planning to resell launch-day devices at a premium. He noted that resale prices would fluctuate depending on demand.
Major electronics retailers including Sharaf DG, Emax, Jumbo and Virgin Megastore are also accepting pre-orders, with some indicating September 18 as the expected delivery date.
When will Apple’s foldable iPhone arrive?
Customers interested in Apple’s first foldable model, the iPhone Duo, will have to wait a little longer. Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on October 16, followed by general availability from October 23.
Prices for the foldable model will start at Dh8,499.
