iPhone Duo UAE: Stock at some retailers sells out within hours as demand stays strong

Demand for Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has exceeded supply at several UAE retailers, with some reporting that their initial stock sold out within hours of launch. Other retailers have reported temporary shortages of certain storage and colour variants.

The device officially goes on sale in the UAE on October 23, 2026, following the opening of pre-orders on October 16. Starting at Dh8,499, the iPhone Duo is attracting strong interest despite its premium price tag.

Strong Demand Exceeds Initial Stock

Jumbo reported an encouraging response to the launch, with demand exceeding the retailer’s expectations.

A Jumbo spokesperson said the company sold out of its initial stock within hours, adding that consumers had been waiting for Apple’s new foldable smartphone.

The strong response suggests considerable interest in Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market, although the extent to which demand will continue beyond the initial launch period remains uncertain.

iPhone Duo UAE Prices and Storage Options

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s most expensive smartphone to date, with prices increasing significantly across its storage configurations.

The starting price places the device well above the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which starts at Dh5,499 in the UAE.

Some Variants Temporarily Unavailable

Eros Group has also reported a positive response, particularly from customers interested in the device’s foldable design.

However, the availability of the iPhone Duo varies depending on the colour and storage configuration. Mohammad Yousuf Badri, director of Eros Group, said customers might need to wait for the next stock allocation if their preferred variant is unavailable.

The retailer is working with its supply partners to replenish inventory and minimise waiting times.

Badri also noted that strong initial interest does not necessarily guarantee sustained demand. The company is monitoring customer enquiries, confirmed orders and stock movement to understand how initial excitement translates into actual sales.

512GB Variant Attracts the Most Interest

According to Badri, the 512GB model is attracting the highest level of interest among buyers, followed by the 1TB and 256GB variants.

Customer preferences also appear to differ slightly by colour. Night Sky seems more popular among male customers, while Star White is attracting greater interest among female customers.

However, Badri noted that overall demand for the two colours remains fairly balanced.

Buyers Consider Premiums for Immediate Availability

The strong demand has also created opportunities for traders offering immediate access to the device. Some traders in Deira said buyers were willing to pay premiums of up to Dh2,500 to secure the phone without waiting for regular stock replenishment.

Analysts expect Apple to sell every iPhone Duo it can produce, although its high price could limit its appeal among UAE consumers.

The device faces competition from rival foldable smartphones, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8, which costs approximately Dh3,000 less.

Buy Now, Pay Later Options Could Attract Buyers

Given the iPhone Duo’s high price, buy now, pay later (BNPL) services and other flexible payment options could become attractive to some customers.

Badri said instalment plans become more relevant at this price level, potentially making higher-storage configurations more accessible.

However, he cautioned against assuming that customers are moving towards instalment payments in significant numbers. While some buyers prefer to pay upfront and others choose to spread the cost, the retailer does not yet have sufficient figures to confirm a major shift in payment preferences.

Will Demand Continue After Launch?

The iPhone Duo’s initial performance indicates strong consumer interest in Apple's first foldable smartphone in the UAE. However, its long-term success will depend on continued demand, stock availability and how buyers respond to its premium pricing.

Retailers are now focused on replenishing inventory and tracking sales trends to determine whether the launch excitement will translate into sustained demand in the coming weeks.