Since 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Dubai Mall has witnessed large crowds of people eager to buy the new iPhone 18 series across all models. Customers lined up outside the Apple Store awaiting the start of sales and the opportunity to obtain the latest devices, coinciding with their launch in the UAE market.
The turnout follows a pre-order period that saw strong demand for the new devices, amid reports that some models sold out within less than 20 minutes of pre-orders opening.
Apple does not allow direct purchases from its official stores on launch day, as the day is primarily reserved for customers who have pre-ordered their devices and selected in-store collection. These customers are notified by email of their designated pick-up time.
UAE market
The early turnout reflects the strong interest in new iPhone releases in the UAE market, particularly as the UAE is among the first countries in the world where the new device is available. The country also ranks second globally after the United States for the lowest purchase price of the iPhone 18 Pro, with the device priced at AED 5,099 in the UAE.
The UAE has also maintained its position as the cheapest market for the iPhone 18 Pro in the Middle East and North Africa, enhancing the attractiveness of the local market for those seeking to purchase the latest Apple devices as official sales of the new generation begin.
Price list
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at AED 5,099, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at AED 5,499. Storage capacities for the new models range from 256GB to 2TB.
Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will arrive in the UAE market at a later date. Pre-orders will open on October 16, with availability beginning on October 23. Prices in the UAE will start from AED 8,499, adding a new model to the company's smartphone portfolio this year.
UAE's first buyer
Mohammed Shaka, a Pakistani accountant, was waiting at Dubai Mall to receive his new phone, becoming the first buyer of the iPhone 18 Pro Max following the device's launch on Friday.
Shaka said that he was delighted to receive the phone, adding that he had been eagerly anticipating the moment, particularly because he is an iPhone enthusiast who makes a point of purchasing each new version.
He said that every iPhone launch feels special to him and noted that his connection with the product goes back many years. He began buying iPhones with the release of the iPhone 4 and has continued purchasing subsequent models ever since.
His passion extends beyond using the devices. Shaka maintains a collection of vintage iPhones acquired over the years, displaying them on shelves in his home as part of a personal collection.
This year, Shaka chose the iPhone 18 Pro Max to add to his collection and expressed his happiness at being the first buyer of the new device at its UAE launch.