{"id":49299,"date":"2026-10-16T10:40:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T10:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=49299"},"modified":"2026-10-16T10:51:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T10:51:28","slug":"uae-consumers-willing-to-spend-an-additional-dh2500-to-get-apples-new-iphone-duo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/16\/uae-consumers-willing-to-spend-an-additional-dh2500-to-get-apples-new-iphone-duo\/","title":{"rendered":"UAE Consumers Willing to Spend an Additional Dh2,500 to Get Apple\u2019s New iPhone Duo."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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UAE Apple Fans Ready to Pay Dh2,500 Extra for First Foldable iPhone as Pre-Orders Begin<\/h1>

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Apple enthusiasts in the UAE are preparing to spend considerably more than the listed retail price to secure the company’s first foldable smartphone as soon as it becomes available. With pre-orders for the iPhone Duo scheduled to open at 4pm on Friday, some buyers are reportedly willing to pay premiums of up to Dh2,500 to avoid waiting for regular retail supplies.<\/p>

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The device, which starts at Dh8,499, will be offered in Star White and Night Sky. It is scheduled to arrive in stores on October 23, but interest among consumers appears to be building well before its official retail release.<\/p>

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Traders in Deira’s mobile phone market said the launch has generated considerable attention, particularly among customers who have been waiting for Apple to introduce a foldable device. For these buyers, the attraction goes beyond replacing an existing handset. The iPhone Duo represents a new design category for the company and an opportunity to own a product that differs significantly from its conventional smartphones.<\/p>

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According to retailers, some customers are prepared to pay extra to obtain the device immediately rather than wait for supplies to become more widely available. The additional amount they are willing to spend can reach Dh2,500, depending on the buyer and the availability of the preferred model.<\/p>

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The early enthusiasm reflects the importance of launch-day availability in Dubai’s competitive smartphone market. For certain consumers, being among the first to own a newly introduced Apple product is worth paying more than the official starting price.<\/p>

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However, not every Apple user is planning to purchase the new device immediately. While some customers are preparing to place orders as soon as the booking window opens, others are assessing its features and deciding whether the first-generation model meets their expectations.<\/p>

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Strong Interest Builds Ahead of Friday’s Pre-Orders<\/h2>

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The iPhone Duo’s upcoming launch has attracted attention from buyers visiting mobile phone retailers in Deira and Baniyas Square.<\/p>

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Moideeen Mustafa of Phone Line, located in Deira’s phone market, said interest in the foldable model was particularly strong among customers who wanted to obtain it on the first day.<\/p>

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He said some buyers were willing to pay an additional amount of up to Dh2,500 to secure immediate access to the phone.<\/p>

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\u201cPeople are willing to pay a premium of up to Dh2,500 for immediate availability,\u201d Mustafa said.<\/p>

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He explained that major changes in Apple’s smartphone lineup have historically generated strong demand among customers eager to experience a new design or technology.<\/p>

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Mustafa pointed to previous iPhone launches, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 15 and iPhone 17, as examples of products that attracted significant attention from buyers.<\/p>

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According to him, customers who are particularly interested in Apple’s latest releases often want to obtain their preferred device as soon as possible, especially when a launch introduces a noticeable departure from earlier models.<\/p>

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The foldable design appears to be an important factor behind the excitement surrounding the iPhone Duo. Unlike a routine annual upgrade, the device represents Apple’s entry into a different smartphone format, making it especially interesting to consumers who follow the company’s product development closely.<\/p>

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For some buyers, the appeal lies in experiencing the new design before it becomes commonplace. Others may simply prefer to have their chosen colour and storage configuration secured from the beginning.<\/p>

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The willingness to pay a premium also reflects the difference between official retail pricing and the amount some consumers may be prepared to spend in the early market. While Apple has announced a starting price of Dh8,499, the extra amount mentioned by traders relates to buyers seeking immediate availability rather than a change to the manufacturer’s official price.<\/p>

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Such premiums are not guaranteed to apply to every transaction, and actual offers may differ according to supply, demand, storage capacity and seller pricing.<\/p>

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iPhone Duo Starts at Dh8,499<\/h2>

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The new foldable smartphone will begin at Dh8,499, with pre-orders scheduled to open at 4pm on Friday. The device is expected to be available in two colour options: Star White and Night Sky.<\/p>

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Retail sales are scheduled to begin on October 23, giving prospective buyers a defined date to look forward to after the pre-order period opens.<\/p>

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The launch is attracting attention partly because it introduces a different form factor to Apple’s smartphone range. Customers who have continued using conventional iPhones for several generations may now be considering whether a foldable model offers enough novelty to justify the cost of switching.<\/p>

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For buyers interested in obtaining the phone at launch, timing is an important consideration. Pre-orders provide an opportunity to reserve a device, although the availability of a specific colour or storage configuration may depend on the ordering process and stock allocation.<\/p>

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The reported willingness among some UAE buyers to pay up to Dh2,500 extra illustrates how launch demand can extend beyond the official retail price. At the top end of that reported premium, a buyer could spend as much as Dh10,999 for a device carrying a starting price of Dh8,499, before considering any other applicable costs.<\/p>

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That figure is an illustration based on the reported maximum premium, not a confirmed selling price for every version of the phone.<\/p>

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For consumers, the distinction between the official price and a reseller’s asking price is important. Buyers should compare available offers, confirm the exact storage configuration and colour, and check the seller’s warranty and return policies before agreeing to pay above the listed price.<\/p>

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Those who are not concerned about receiving the phone immediately may prefer to wait until the device becomes available through regular retail channels and compare the options then.<\/p>

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Early Buyers Are Coming From Older Pro Max Models<\/h2>

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Mohammed Mohsin of Gargash Market in Baniyas Square said a number of customers interested in the iPhone Duo were already using Apple’s high-end smartphones.<\/p>

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He said some prospective buyers were moving from the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while others had chosen not to purchase the iPhone 18 Pro Max because they were waiting for the company’s first foldable device.<\/p>

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This suggests that at least some of the demand is coming from existing Apple customers rather than exclusively from people switching from competing smartphone brands.<\/p>

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For long-time iPhone users, the decision to upgrade is often influenced by the extent of the changes introduced in a new generation. A customer who already owns a recent premium model may see limited reason to replace it with another conventional handset if the design and overall experience remain familiar.<\/p>

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The arrival of a foldable model offers a different proposition. Instead of moving from one conventional smartphone to another, customers can consider a device built around a new physical format.<\/p>

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Mohsin said buyers were asking particularly about the 256GB and 512GB storage versions. Interest was also being reported in both Star White and Night Sky, indicating that customers were considering different configurations rather than focusing exclusively on a single version.<\/p>

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\u201cWe have seen customers asking mainly for the 256GB and 512GB models, and both colours, Star White and Night Sky, are in demand,\u201d he said.<\/p>

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The interest in particular storage capacities and colours is important for retailers preparing for a product launch. Customers who have a specific configuration in mind may be less willing to accept a substitute if their preferred option is unavailable.<\/p>

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For those determined to obtain the device on the first day, limited availability of a particular version could increase the importance of placing an order promptly.<\/p>

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However, demand reported by individual retailers does not necessarily establish the total number of devices that will be sold across the UAE. Overall sales will depend on official stock levels, consumer purchasing decisions and the availability of competing products.<\/p>

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Why the First Foldable iPhone Is Attracting So Much Attention<\/h2>

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For some customers, the iPhone Duo is more than an ordinary upgrade to a newer smartphone. Its foldable format gives it a distinct identity within Apple’s product lineup and has encouraged long-time users to reconsider their usual upgrade schedules.<\/p>

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Mohsin described the launch as a major change for the company, saying some buyers viewed early ownership as a way to be associated with an important moment in Apple’s product development.<\/p>

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\u201cThis is not a normal upgrade. It is something completely new from Apple, and for many fans, owning it on the first day is a status purchase. They feel they are part of history. There is a lot of excitement around it, and we expect the premium to hold for at least two to three weeks.\u201d<\/p>

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His assessment suggests that some buyers are motivated by the experience of owning a first-generation product as much as by the practical benefits it may offer.<\/p>

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The launch of a new product category can attract customers who enjoy testing new technology, collecting flagship devices or keeping up with the latest developments in consumer electronics.<\/p>

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For those users, the first weeks after a launch can be particularly appealing because the product remains new to the market and attracts considerable discussion among technology enthusiasts.<\/p>

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A foldable iPhone may also appeal to consumers who have been interested in foldable smartphones but preferred to wait for Apple to enter the category before making a purchase.<\/p>

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The extent to which the new device attracts a broader audience will depend on factors such as its design, durability, software experience, performance and value for money. These considerations may become more important once customers have an opportunity to use the device and compare it with conventional smartphones and rival foldable models.<\/p>

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The early interest reported by UAE retailers therefore reflects both the novelty of the product and the enthusiasm of customers who follow Apple’s launches closely.<\/p>

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Resellers Expect the Early Price Premium to Continue<\/h2>

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Some traders believe the additional amount buyers are prepared to pay could remain in place for the first few weeks after the phone’s release.<\/p>

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Mohsin said he expected the premium to continue for approximately two to three weeks, although this remains a retailer’s assessment rather than a guaranteed market outcome.<\/p>

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Early-launch premiums can occur when demand is concentrated among customers seeking immediate access and the supply of particular versions is limited. Buyers who do not want to wait may be prepared to pay more to obtain their preferred device.<\/p>

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As more stock becomes available, the gap between the official retail price and reseller offers may change. The extent of that change depends on actual demand, the number of devices supplied, the popularity of different configurations and the willingness of customers to pay extra.<\/p>

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If a large number of buyers place orders through official channels, some may be able to obtain the device without paying an additional premium. Others may decide that waiting is preferable to spending more for early access.<\/p>

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The reported Dh2,500 figure should therefore be understood as the upper end of the premium some buyers are said to be willing to pay, not a standard surcharge across the UAE market.<\/p>

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Consumers considering a purchase should also distinguish between an expression of willingness to pay and a completed transaction. A customer may be prepared to spend more but ultimately choose to wait if the available offers do not justify the additional cost.<\/p>

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For retailers, the first weeks after a high-profile launch can create opportunities to serve customers who prioritise immediate availability. However, pricing conditions may change as supply and demand evolve.<\/p>

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Not Every Apple Fan Is Ready to Upgrade<\/h2>

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Despite the excitement, some Apple users are taking a more cautious approach to the new foldable phone.<\/p>

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Abdul Rafique, a long-time Apple customer, said he had prepared his devices and accounts ahead of the pre-order window but did not intend to purchase the iPhone Duo for himself.<\/p>

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He explained that he had bought the iPhone 18 Pro Max only the previous month. Although he had been looking forward to Apple’s foldable model, learning that it did not include Face ID changed his decision.<\/p>

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\u201cI bought the iPhone 18 Pro Max only last month,\u201d he said. \u201cI was excited about the Duo, but when I found out it does not have Face ID, I decided not to get it for myself.\u201d<\/p>

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His decision illustrates how the introduction of a new design does not automatically persuade every existing customer to upgrade.<\/p>

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For some users, the appeal of a foldable smartphone may be outweighed by the absence of a familiar feature or a concern about the compromises associated with a first-generation product.<\/p>

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Face ID is an important part of the user experience for customers who rely on facial recognition to unlock their phones and authenticate certain actions. Someone who is accustomed to using that feature may be reluctant to move to a device that handles authentication differently.<\/p>

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The example also highlights the different priorities that influence smartphone purchases. While some buyers focus on novelty and early availability, others place greater importance on established features, convenience and the value of the phone they already own.<\/p>

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A customer who recently purchased a high-end model may also be less inclined to spend thousands of dirhams on another device unless the new product offers enough advantages to justify the expense.<\/p>

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For Rafique, the iPhone Duo remains a product of interest, but not one he intends to use immediately.<\/p>

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Helping Friends Secure Their Devices<\/h2>

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Although Rafique has decided against buying the foldable iPhone for himself, he still plans to take part in the launch by placing orders for two friends who want the phone on its first day.<\/p>

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He said they were relying on his familiarity with Apple’s pre-order process to help them secure their devices when bookings opened.<\/p>

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\u201cThey know I have figured out the pre-order process and can help them secure a device,\u201d he said. \u201cI will also be there to collect the phones for them.\u201d<\/p>

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His involvement demonstrates that enthusiasm for a new product can extend beyond direct purchasing. Some experienced users help friends and relatives navigate pre-order systems, select configurations or arrange collection.<\/p>

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When a highly anticipated device is released, buyers may prepare in advance by signing into their accounts, checking their payment details and deciding which model they want to purchase. Having these details ready can make the ordering process more straightforward, although it cannot guarantee a particular device will be available.<\/p>

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For Rafique’s friends, assistance from someone familiar with the process may make it easier to complete their orders promptly.<\/p>

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Rafique’s own approach is different. Rather than paying for a new device shortly after buying the iPhone 18 Pro Max, he is choosing to wait and see how Apple’s foldable range develops.<\/p>

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His decision reflects a common consideration among technology enthusiasts: whether it is worth buying the first generation of a product or waiting for a later version that may address missing features or introduce additional capabilities.<\/p>

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Future Features Could Influence the Next Upgrade<\/h2>

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Rafique said he was following Apple’s foldable-phone development closely and hoped that a future model would introduce Face ID and support for an integrated Mini Apple Pencil.<\/p>

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He indicated that he would be eager to buy a later version if those features were added.<\/p>

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\u201cI am expecting Apple to bring Face ID and an integrated Mini Apple Pencil next year. If that happens, I will be first in line to buy it.\u201d<\/p>

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His comments reflect his personal expectations for a future device and should not be taken as confirmation that Apple plans to introduce either feature in its next model.<\/p>

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For some users, a first-generation product can serve as a starting point rather than an immediate purchase. They may prefer to wait for future versions that better match their requirements or offer improvements based on how the product category develops.<\/p>

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That approach can be particularly relevant for expensive smartphones, where the decision involves not only the upfront price but also the value of an existing device and the cost of upgrading again later.<\/p>

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Rafique’s preference for Face ID and an integrated stylus illustrates how individual requirements can influence buying decisions even when overall interest in a product is high.<\/p>

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Other customers may prioritise the foldable format itself, storage capacity, colour or the opportunity to own the device immediately.<\/p>

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The range of opinions among Apple fans suggests that demand for the iPhone Duo will not be driven by a single factor. Instead, buyers are weighing novelty, design, convenience, pricing and personal preferences in different ways.<\/p>

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Is Paying Dh2,500 Extra Worth It?<\/h2>

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The reported premium raises a practical question for UAE shoppers: does getting the iPhone Duo immediately justify paying significantly more than the starting retail price?<\/p>

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For customers who strongly value early access, the answer may depend on their budget and how important it is to own the phone on launch day.<\/p>

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A buyer willing to pay the maximum reported premium of Dh2,500 would be paying approximately 29.4 per cent above the Dh8,499 starting price. That is a substantial additional expense for the privilege of obtaining a device early.<\/p>

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For other customers, waiting may offer better value. The phone is scheduled to reach stores on October 23, and those who are not in a hurry can compare the official purchasing options and available stock before committing.<\/p>

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Buyers should also establish whether the additional payment provides a genuine benefit, such as confirmed immediate availability, or simply reflects a seller’s asking price.<\/p>

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Before making a decision, customers can consider the following factors:<\/p>

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    • Official pricing:<\/strong> Check the manufacturer’s listed price for the exact storage version and colour.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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        • Availability:<\/strong> Confirm whether the device can be obtained through an official retailer without paying an additional premium.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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            • Warranty:<\/strong> Verify that the handset comes with appropriate warranty coverage and purchase documentation.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                • Seller reputation:<\/strong> Check the retailer’s credibility, return policy and terms of sale.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                    • Personal needs:<\/strong> Consider whether the foldable design and available features justify replacing a recently purchased phone.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                      These checks are especially useful when demand is high and some buyers are eager to secure a device before it becomes widely available.<\/p>

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                      The most suitable choice will vary according to each customer’s circumstances. For enthusiasts who value immediate ownership, paying more may be a personal preference. For buyers focused on value, waiting may be the more practical option.<\/p>

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                      UAE Smartphone Market Awaits the Foldable Launch<\/h2>

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                      The upcoming release of Apple’s first foldable smartphone is generating strong interest among a segment of UAE consumers, with retailers reporting enquiries about different storage configurations and both available colours.<\/p>

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                      The device’s Dh8,499 starting price places it in the premium smartphone category, while the reported willingness of some customers to pay an additional Dh2,500 demonstrates the strength of launch-day enthusiasm among certain Apple fans.<\/p>

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                      Retailers in Deira and Baniyas Square have described customers who are ready to order the phone as soon as pre-orders open. Some are upgrading from older Pro Max devices, while others have delayed purchasing a conventional iPhone because they wanted to see what Apple would offer in the foldable category.<\/p>

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                      At the same time, other customers are choosing to wait. Rafique’s decision shows that even dedicated Apple users may decide against an immediate upgrade if the new phone lacks a feature they consider essential or if their current device is relatively new.<\/p>

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                      This contrast illustrates the different ways consumers approach a major product launch. Some prioritise novelty and immediate availability, while others weigh functionality, cost and the potential benefits of future models.<\/p>

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                      The first weeks after the launch will provide a clearer picture of how demand develops and whether the early premium reported by traders continues. Until then, the willingness of some buyers to pay extra remains an indication of strong interest rather than a guarantee that every model will command a higher price.<\/p>

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                      For UAE shoppers, the choice is between paying for immediate access and waiting for regular retail availability. The right decision will depend on how much they value being among the first owners, which features they need and whether the additional expense fits their budget.<\/p>

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                      Apple enthusiasts in the UAE are prepared to pay as much as Dh2,500 above the expected price to secure the latest iPhone Duo models, highlighting strong consumer interest and a willingness to spend more for Apple’s newest smartphone releases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47822,"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-49299","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\/49299","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=49299"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49299\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49304,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49299\/revisions\/49304"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49299"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=49299"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=49299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}