{"id":48198,"date":"2026-09-18T03:45:57","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T03:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=48198"},"modified":"2026-09-18T03:54:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T03:54:26","slug":"iphone-18-pro-pro-max-see-strong-uae-demand-as-pre-orders-sell-out-retailers-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/18\/iphone-18-pro-pro-max-see-strong-uae-demand-as-pre-orders-sell-out-retailers-say\/","title":{"rendered":"iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max See Strong UAE Demand as Pre-Orders Sell Out, Retailers Say."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Demand for Apple\u2019s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max has surged across the UAE, pushing pre-order stocks to sell out. Retailers say burgundy is attracting the most buyers, while consumers are increasingly anticipating Apple\u2019s upcoming foldable smartphone as well.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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iPhone 18 Pro Models Draw Heavy UAE Demand as Retailers Report Pre-Order Sell-Out<\/h2>

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Apple\u2019s latest iPhone lineup has made a strong debut in the UAE, with retailers reporting particularly high demand for the premium iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. Initial allocations supplied to retailers have reportedly been exhausted, highlighting continued consumer interest in Apple\u2019s higher-priced smartphones.<\/p>

The new iPhone models officially became available to UAE customers on Friday, September 18, with buyers able to purchase them through Apple stores and physical retail outlets operated by major electronics sellers across the country. Online sales channels are also offering the latest devices.<\/p>

Retailers say the response during the pre-order period was stronger than anticipated, particularly for the Pro and Pro Max versions. The early sales performance follows a trend witnessed during previous iPhone launches, when customers in the UAE showed a preference for Apple\u2019s premium models and higher-capacity storage configurations.<\/p>

Rajat Asthana, chief executive officer of Eros, said customer interest in the latest Pro models had been extremely strong. According to Asthana, the response to both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max was \u201coverwhelming as expected.\u201d<\/p>

The latest colour options have also influenced purchasing decisions. Burgundy and glacier blue have attracted significant attention from UAE shoppers, with the burgundy finish emerging as one of the most frequently requested choices, according to retailers.<\/p>

Asthana said Eros had already sold through its initial allocation of the new models. He also noted that customers were showing particularly strong interest in the 512GB versions, even though the latest generation comes with higher pricing than comparable models from the iPhone 17 lineup.<\/p>

The popularity of larger storage capacities could have an impact on the average selling price recorded by retailers, as consumers opting for higher-capacity versions generally pay more than those choosing entry-level storage options.<\/p>

Eros currently sells Apple products through four outlets in Dubai. Customers can find the company\u2019s iPhone 18 range at its locations in Palm Jumeirah Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Hills and BurJuman Mall.<\/p>

Jumbo Electronics has also reported a strong response to the new iPhone range. A company spokesperson described pre-order activity as \u201cvery strong,\u201d with the burgundy colour once again proving particularly popular with customers.<\/p>

The retailer is selling the iPhone 18 series through its network of stores across the UAE, while customers can also order the devices through Jumbo\u2019s online sales platform.<\/p>

The early performance of the iPhone 18 Pro models is reminiscent of the reception given to the previous generation. During last year\u2019s iPhone 17 launch, Asthana had described demand as \u201cunprecedented,\u201d pointing to a substantial increase in customer traffic and rapid sales of pre-order inventory.<\/p>

According to comments made at the time, footfall during the iPhone 17 launch increased by around 50 per cent compared with the previous year. Pre-order units were also reported to have been claimed within minutes, underlining the level of interest surrounding Apple\u2019s flagship devices in the UAE market.<\/p>

The iPhone 17 launch also demonstrated the strong preference for the Pro Max model among customers willing to spend more on premium specifications. Higher-storage versions of the Pro Max were particularly sought after.<\/p>

Some units subsequently appeared on the grey market at significantly higher prices. At one point, certain devices were reportedly being resold for as much as Dh14,000, compared with an official starting price of Dh8,499 for the relevant model.<\/p>

The latest launch appears to be following a similar pattern, with premium versions once again accounting for a significant share of early demand. Retailers\u2019 comments indicate that buyers are not only interested in the latest hardware but are also willing to pay more for additional storage and distinctive colour options.<\/p>

Apple\u2019s official UAE launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max took place on Friday, September 18. The launch followed a highly active pre-order period, during which online availability was reportedly exhausted in less than 20 minutes.<\/p>

The speed at which the initial online allocation disappeared provides an indication of the level of anticipation surrounding the latest generation. Customers looking to purchase the newest Pro models have therefore faced limited availability in the initial stages of the launch.<\/p>

For retailers, the early sales momentum is also significant because the premium models typically command higher prices than the standard versions. Strong demand for Pro and Pro Max configurations can therefore contribute to higher average transaction values during the opening phase of a new iPhone cycle.<\/p>

Colour trends are another notable feature of this year\u2019s launch. While Apple has introduced several finishes for the new generation, burgundy has quickly emerged as a standout choice among UAE consumers. Glacier blue has also generated considerable interest, according to retailer feedback.<\/p>

The preference for specific colours can vary from one launch to another, but the response to burgundy and glacier blue suggests that buyers are paying attention not only to technical specifications but also to the appearance and exclusivity of the latest models.<\/p>

Storage capacity has similarly emerged as an important factor. Asthana said the 512GB configuration was attracting the highest level of demand at Eros. This is notable because higher storage options carry a premium, yet customers continue to show a willingness to choose them despite the increased cost compared with previous-generation devices.<\/p>

The strong opening for the iPhone 18 Pro range comes as Apple prepares another major product introduction that could attract a different segment of customers.<\/p>

Interest grows in Apple\u2019s first foldable iPhone<\/h2>

Alongside strong demand for the latest conventional flagship models, retailers say customers are increasingly asking about Apple\u2019s anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market.<\/p>

Both Eros and Jumbo Electronics have pointed to growing interest in Apple\u2019s first foldable device, which is expected to be called the iPhone Duo. The upcoming product is scheduled to reach the market next month, giving Apple another major hardware release shortly after the iPhone 18 series.<\/p>

According to the launch timeline provided by retailers, pre-orders for the foldable model are expected to begin on October 16. General availability is scheduled to follow on October 23.<\/p>

The device is expected to start at Dh8,499, while the highest configuration could reach Dh13,599. The pricing places the foldable phone firmly within the premium segment and means it could attract consumers who are already accustomed to paying a substantial amount for high-end smartphones.<\/p>

Interest in the foldable model adds another dimension to the current iPhone sales cycle. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max represent Apple\u2019s latest traditional flagship designs, the iPhone Duo is expected to introduce a substantially different form factor.<\/p>

Retailers\u2019 comments suggest that some UAE customers are already looking beyond the current launch and considering the upcoming foldable device. This anticipation comes even as demand for the newly released Pro models remains high.<\/p>

The interest in the iPhone Duo also reflects the broader appeal of new smartphone designs among premium-device buyers. Customers who have already upgraded to the latest iPhone generation may now be watching closely to see how Apple approaches the foldable category.<\/p>

With pre-orders for the iPhone Duo scheduled to open in October, retailers are likely to have another opportunity to gauge consumer demand for Apple\u2019s newest product category.<\/p>

For now, however, the immediate focus remains on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Retailers across the UAE say their initial allocations have been taken up quickly, while buyers have shown particular interest in the 512GB models and new colour choices.<\/p>

The early sell-out also continues a familiar pattern for Apple\u2019s premium smartphones in the UAE. Previous launches have seen customers queueing for new devices, pre-order stocks disappearing rapidly and demand concentrating on the most expensive configurations.<\/p>

This year\u2019s launch has once again placed the Pro and Pro Max models at the centre of that demand. Although the new generation carries higher prices than its predecessors in comparable configurations, retailer feedback indicates that the increase has not prevented customers from choosing premium models.<\/p>

Eros and Jumbo\u2019s reports provide an early indication of market activity, although the full scale of demand will become clearer as the devices remain available through stores and online channels in the coming weeks.<\/p>

The launch is also taking place against the backdrop of Apple\u2019s expanding premium product portfolio. With the expected foldable iPhone arriving shortly, consumers in the UAE will soon have another high-priced Apple device to consider.<\/p>

For retailers, the combination of strong initial iPhone 18 Pro demand and anticipation surrounding the company\u2019s first foldable phone could make the coming weeks an important period for Apple\u2019s smartphone business in the UAE.<\/p>

The immediate sales figures, however, point to a clear pattern: customers have responded strongly to the newest Pro models, with limited initial stock quickly being absorbed during the pre-order phase. Burgundy has emerged as a leading colour preference, while the 512GB configuration has drawn substantial interest.<\/p>

As availability expands following the September 18 launch, retailers will be watching whether the strong pre-order momentum continues beyond the opening days. At the same time, attention will gradually shift toward October, when Apple\u2019s anticipated foldable iPhone Duo is due to enter the pre-order stage.<\/p>

If the retailer response to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is an indication of consumer appetite for premium Apple hardware in the UAE, the upcoming foldable launch could generate another significant wave of interest when pre-orders begin on October 16.<\/p>

For UAE shoppers, the current iPhone 18 launch therefore represents only the beginning of a busy period for Apple\u2019s latest devices. The Pro and Pro Max are already attracting substantial demand, while the company\u2019s move into foldable phones is creating additional anticipation ahead of the October release.<\/p><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Foldable iPhone Builds Momentum Among UAE Shoppers<\/h2>

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While the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are attracting strong demand in the UAE, retailers say a significant number of customers are already looking beyond the current generation and waiting for Apple\u2019s expected move into the foldable smartphone market.<\/p>

Rajat Asthana, CEO of Eros, said some prospective buyers had chosen not to upgrade immediately because they were anticipating the arrival of Apple\u2019s first foldable device. The expectation of a new form factor appears to be influencing purchasing decisions among customers who might otherwise have opted for one of the latest iPhone models.<\/p>

The anticipated foldable device, reportedly known as the iPhone Duo, is expected to offer a different design from Apple\u2019s existing smartphone range. Its upcoming arrival has generated considerable curiosity among consumers, particularly those who are interested in trying a new type of smartphone rather than moving from one conventional iPhone generation to another.<\/p>

Jumbo Electronics has also observed the growing attention surrounding the foldable model. According to a company spokesperson, the device is attracting exceptionally high interest from shoppers exploring Apple\u2019s latest smartphone offerings.<\/p>

The retailer said the foldable iPhone is currently generating the greatest level of customer interest among consumers looking across the broader iPhone 18 range. That interest comes despite the strong pre-order performance of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which have seen initial allocations sell out rapidly.<\/p>

The contrast between strong demand for the current premium models and anticipation surrounding the foldable phone highlights the variety of buying preferences in the UAE smartphone market. Some customers are choosing to upgrade immediately to the latest Pro models, while others appear willing to wait for Apple\u2019s next major design change.<\/p>

The expected foldable launch could therefore represent another important moment for Apple\u2019s UAE retail partners. With customers already asking about the upcoming device, retailers are preparing for another potential surge in demand when pre-orders officially begin.<\/p>

According to the current launch schedule, pre-orders for the foldable iPhone are expected to open on October 16, with the device due to become available to customers from October 23. The anticipated starting price is Dh8,499, while the highest configuration is expected to cost as much as Dh13,599.<\/p>

The pricing puts the foldable model at the upper end of Apple\u2019s smartphone portfolio. Even so, the level of interest reported by retailers suggests that premium pricing has not stopped consumers from considering the device.<\/p>

For shoppers who are particularly interested in new technology and design, the foldable format may provide a reason to delay an immediate upgrade. Rather than purchasing an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max now, some customers may prefer to wait for the new form factor and decide whether the additional functionality and design justify the higher price.<\/p>

Retailers are also seeing changes in the way consumers are paying for their smartphones. As premium devices become more expensive, flexible financing options are playing a larger role in helping customers spread the cost of their purchases.<\/p>

Flexible payment plans gain traction<\/h2>

Jumbo Electronics said it has noticed increased interest in payment plans among customers purchasing the latest iPhone models. The retailer is offering customers the option of paying for their devices through interest-free instalments over a period of up to 24 months.<\/p>

The 0 per cent instalment programme gives buyers an opportunity to divide the cost of a new smartphone into smaller monthly payments rather than paying the full amount at the time of purchase.<\/p>

Such arrangements can be particularly relevant for customers considering Apple\u2019s higher-end models, where larger storage capacities and premium configurations can significantly increase the overall purchase price.<\/p>

With the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max attracting strong interest, financing options could make it easier for customers to select higher-priced configurations without having to make the entire payment upfront.<\/p>

Jumbo\u2019s instalment offering extends for as long as two years, giving eligible customers a longer repayment period. The availability of an interest-free option means the advertised purchase price can be spread across monthly payments without an additional interest charge under the programme\u2019s terms.<\/p>

The retailer is also combining its financing options with a device buyback initiative. Under the programme, customers can receive a guaranteed buyback value of up to 70 per cent of the original device value, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.<\/p>

Customers must pay a Dh129 sign-up fee to participate in the guaranteed buyback programme. The initiative is designed to provide buyers with greater clarity over the potential future value of their smartphones while reducing some of the financial burden associated with upgrading to a newer model.<\/p>

The latest buyback offer represents an increase compared with the programme available during last year\u2019s iPhone 17 launch. At that time, Jumbo offered a maximum buyback value of 68 per cent.<\/p>

The increase from 68 per cent to as much as 70 per cent gives customers a slightly higher potential return when they eventually trade in their qualifying device under the programme.<\/p>

For consumers who regularly upgrade their smartphones, the resale or trade-in value of an existing device can be an important consideration when calculating the effective cost of a new purchase.<\/p>

A stronger guaranteed buyback proposition may therefore appeal to customers who want to move to newer iPhone models without keeping their previous devices for several years.<\/p>

The combination of instalment payments and a future buyback option provides shoppers with two different ways of managing the cost of an upgrade. Customers can spread the initial purchase price over time while also having the option of recovering part of the device\u2019s value through the buyback programme.<\/p>

Additional incentive for iPhone trade-ins<\/h2>

Jumbo is also providing an additional incentive for customers who already own relatively recent iPhone models.<\/p>

According to the retailer\u2019s spokesperson, customers trading in an iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 can receive an extra Dh100 in addition to the standard trade-in value assigned to their device.<\/p>

The additional payment is intended to encourage existing iPhone owners to consider upgrading to the latest generation. Instead of receiving only the assessed value of their old smartphone, eligible customers can receive another Dh100 on top of that amount.<\/p>

Trade-in programmes can reduce the effective price of a new phone by allowing customers to use the value of an older device toward the purchase of a newer model.<\/p>

For buyers considering the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, this can be particularly useful because the premium models typically cost more than standard smartphones. The ability to trade in an older iPhone and receive an additional incentive can help lower the amount that needs to be paid for the upgrade.<\/p>

The offer covers five generations of Apple\u2019s smartphones, beginning with the iPhone 13 and extending through the iPhone 17. The final trade-in value will depend on the applicable valuation of the device, with the additional Dh100 being added to that amount for eligible customers.<\/p>

Jumbo\u2019s latest promotional measures come at a time when Apple\u2019s newest iPhones are generating substantial attention in the UAE.<\/p>

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max entered the market following a rapid pre-order period, with retailers reporting that their initial stocks had been taken up quickly. At the same time, interest in Apple\u2019s anticipated foldable model is giving consumers another reason to follow the company\u2019s product announcements closely.<\/p>

The different offers available through retailers could allow customers to approach their next smartphone purchase in several ways. Some may choose to buy the latest Pro model immediately, while others could wait for the foldable device. Customers who decide to upgrade now can also use instalment plans or trade in an older iPhone to manage the purchase cost.<\/p>

For those who already own an iPhone 13 through iPhone 17, Jumbo\u2019s additional Dh100 trade-in incentive provides another financial benefit when moving to a newer device.<\/p>

The retailer\u2019s payment and trade-in initiatives also reflect the changing economics of premium smartphones. As flagship devices become increasingly expensive, customers are paying greater attention to monthly payment options, resale values and the financial difference between keeping an existing device and upgrading to a new one.<\/p>

The guaranteed buyback programme adds another element to that calculation. With the potential to receive up to 70 per cent of a device\u2019s value under the programme, customers can factor an expected future return into their purchasing decision.<\/p>

That figure is higher than the maximum 68 per cent buyback rate offered during the previous iPhone launch, representing a two-percentage-point increase in the maximum advertised buyback value.<\/p>

Meanwhile, the 0 per cent instalment option of up to 24 months gives shoppers a longer period over which to divide their payments. Together, these initiatives are aimed at making premium smartphone purchases more manageable for customers who may not want to pay the entire amount at once.<\/p>

The growing interest in flexible payment methods also comes as retailers prepare for another potentially significant Apple launch. If the anticipated foldable iPhone reaches UAE stores as scheduled next month, consumers will have another high-priced Apple product to consider shortly after the iPhone 18 series arrives.<\/p>

Retailers will therefore be monitoring both immediate sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and customer enquiries about the upcoming foldable model.<\/p>

The early feedback suggests that Apple\u2019s product strategy is creating demand across two distinct categories. The traditional Pro models continue to attract customers seeking the newest flagship iPhone, while the foldable device is drawing attention from shoppers interested in a substantially different design.<\/p>

Asthana\u2019s comments indicate that anticipation of the foldable format is already affecting some purchasing decisions, with certain customers choosing to wait rather than upgrade immediately.<\/p>

Jumbo\u2019s feedback reinforces that trend, with the retailer reporting that the foldable model is attracting the highest level of interest among customers browsing Apple\u2019s wider iPhone 18 lineup.<\/p>

The upcoming launch will provide a clearer indication of how many of those enquiries translate into actual purchases. Until then, retailers are using payment plans, buyback programmes and trade-in incentives to support demand for the current generation.<\/p>

For UAE consumers, the current upgrade cycle offers several options. Buyers can purchase an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max now, spread payments over an extended period, trade in an older iPhone for a financial credit, or wait for Apple\u2019s expected foldable model.<\/p>

Jumbo\u2019s additional Dh100 incentive for eligible iPhone trade-ins provides another reason for existing users of the iPhone 13 through iPhone 17 generations to consider an upgrade.<\/p>

At the same time, the increase in the maximum buyback value from 68 per cent during last year\u2019s iPhone 17 launch to up to 70 per cent this year gives customers a stronger potential return under the retailer\u2019s guaranteed programme.<\/p>

As Apple prepares to enter the foldable segment, UAE retailers are consequently dealing with both immediate demand for its latest flagship smartphones and growing curiosity about what could become one of the company\u2019s most significant design changes in years.<\/p>

The next few weeks are expected to reveal whether customers who are currently waiting for the foldable iPhone will ultimately choose the new device when pre-orders begin, or whether strong availability of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will encourage more shoppers to upgrade before then.<\/p><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Retailers across the UAE are reporting exceptionally high interest in Apple\u2019s latest iPhone 18 Pro models, with pre-order inventories for both the Pro and Pro Max reportedly selling out quickly as customers rush to secure the new devices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48199,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-48198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48198"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48204,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48198\/revisions\/48204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48198"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=48198"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=48198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}