Apple warning on iPhone 6 'buy 1 get 1 free'

The iPhone 6 is yet to be launched. There is no definite information on how much Apple plans to price the devices at, but that has not stopped several third-party dealers from jumping on the bandwagon and accepting pre-orders.

China Mobile, which has about 800 million subscribers, for example, has already received 33,000 pre-orders not just for the 4.6 inch iPhone 6, but also for the 5.5 inch phablet sized device, which may or may not be unveiled by Apple on September 9.

Earlier, Los Angeles-based Brikk had listed 14 different variants of the new iPhone on its website and was accepting pre-orders for $500.  iPhone 6 pre-orders open at $500

The actual price of the Lux iPhone 6 - with finishing in 24K yellow and pink gold, platinum and diamond Apple logo - ranges between $4,495 and $8,395.

London-based gift and specialist gold plating company Goldgenie, too, is accepting pre-orders and had recently announced that it has already taken 300 pre-orders for the iPhone 6.

Pre-orders for gold iPhone 6 @ Dh12k

However, to beat them all, an online trader, who usually posts his deals on Facebook, is promising a 16GB iPhone 6 starting from $700.

“We are pleased to offer the sale of new phones and the memory in all colours at wholesale prices. New and original mobile phones come with 1 year international warranty and 6 months return policy,” the post read.

The dealer has even posted his email address and a mobile number from Africa.

Apart from the iPhone 6, earlier models of the iPhone and other phones including Samsung Galaxy 5 are also listed. An email correspondence with the dealer gave us some additional info about a trading company in Egypt.

“Our company is located in USA and Egypt so we will need to ship to your home address in UAE. We ship via DHL/ FEDEX shipping company and it takes only two days to deliver to your doorstep. The shipping will take 48 hours to deliver to your home address after payment is confirmed.

“We accept payment through Western Union. Once you make the payment and we confirm it, we will ship out the package and send you a tracking number for the package.”

What’s more, the dealer even promised an immediate availability of iPhone 6 and said he had seven units available.

“Fifty per cent has to be paid as advance so that we can process your shipment. The remaining 50 per cent after the transaction,” he said.

When asked how he could deliver iPhones even before the official announcement he said, “Do you know that we are Apple's authorised dealers,” he added.

Official Apple retailers have warned buyers to keep away from the grey market as much as possible.

“We are hoping that stocks will reach the UAE within 40 days. That is what happened with the iPhone 5S.

"It is always better to buy from the authorised retailers to ensure that you do not pay very high premium, get hold of a model that is meant for this region and ensure many are not stolen goods,” says Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer at Jackys Electronics, one of the authorised retailers of Apple products here in the UAE.

He also warned fans from falling prey to fake dealers. “Apple never gives any of their models before they are announced,” he said.

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