The excitement surrounding the imminent release of the iPhone 16 has reached an intense level in the UAE, as enthusiastic fans prepare for its availability in stores on September 20.
Numerous residents are already exchanging their old models and making advance deposits to be among the first to acquire the highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Local retailers have reported an important increase in inquiries and bookings, with some customers willing to pay a premium to secure the device in advance. In certain instances, buyers are paying up to Dh2,000 extra to ensure they can obtain the new model as soon as it becomes available.
Moideen Mustafa, the manager at Phone Line in Deira, emphasized the high demand, stating, “We have been receiving hundreds of inquiries daily since early September. Many individuals have already reserved the iPhone 16 Pro Max with advance payments, and some are even willing to pay a Dh2,000 markup to acquire it on launch day.”
He also noted that some loyal customers have pre-sold their old iPhones but continue using them until they can trade them in for the new model.
Retailers throughout Dubai are experiencing a similar increase in interest. Mustafa revealed that over 100 customers have already reserved the iPhone 16 Pro Max at his store, with many opting to upgrade through trade-ins to maximize their returns before the new model becomes widely accessible.
Soaring Demand for Older iPhone Models
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max is currently in the spotlight, the demand for older models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, remains strong, resulting in a surge in prices. “The price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, has increased from Dh4,000 to Dh4,400 due to high demand and limited supply,” stated Mustafa.
Used iPhones are also seeing a rise in demand, leading to price increases across the board. Aladin Akrami from DLM Wholesale observed, “A used iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, which was previously priced at Dh3,230, is now selling for Dh3,500. Devices with five months of remaining warranty are particularly sought after.”
Even older models, such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, continue to retain their value. “A used iPhone 14 Pro Max, 128GB, is currently priced at Dh1,950, while a used iPhone 15 Pro Max, 128GB, is priced at Dh2,700,” Akrami noted.
Despite the upcoming launch of the iPhone 16, traders believe that prices for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will remain stable over the next two months. A potential price reduction for older models is anticipated by December, as the availability of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to remain limited until then.
