UAE buyers ready to pay up to Dh2,500 extra for Apple’s iPhone Duo

Apple fans in the UAE are showing strong interest in the company’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, with some buyers willing to pay an additional Dh2,500 to get their hands on the device on launch day.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin at 4pm on Friday. The phone starts at Dh8,499 and will be available in two colours: Star White and Night Sky. It is scheduled to reach stores on October 23.

Traders in Dubai’s Deira phone market said excitement around the new device is already high, particularly among Apple enthusiasts eager to experience the company’s entry into the foldable-phone market.

Strong Demand for Day-One Availability

Moideeen Mustafa from Phone Line in Deira market said demand for the new smartphone is significant, with customers willing to pay a premium to secure the device immediately.

According to Mustafa, some buyers are prepared to pay up to Dh2,500 extra to get the phone on the first day.

He noted that major design changes in Apple’s previous models, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 15 and iPhone 11, had also generated strong demand. Many customers want to be among the first to own Apple’s latest design.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Users Among Early Buyers

Mohammed Mohsin from Gargash Market in Baniyas Square said many interested customers are upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Some buyers reportedly skipped the iPhone 18 Pro Max because they were waiting for Apple's first foldable device.

Mohsin said customers are primarily asking about the 256GB and 512GB variants, with both Star White and Night Sky attracting interest.

He added that the iPhone Duo represents more than a routine smartphone upgrade for many Apple fans. For some buyers, owning the first foldable iPhone on launch day is a status symbol and an opportunity to be part of a major moment in Apple's product history.

Traders expect the additional premium to remain in place for at least two to three weeks, depending on demand and availability.

Some Apple Fans Prefer to Wait

Despite the excitement, not every Apple enthusiast is planning to purchase the iPhone Duo immediately.

Abdul Rafique, a long-time Apple user, said he had prepared his devices for the pre-order process but decided against buying the foldable phone for himself.

Rafique purchased the iPhone 18 Pro Max just last month. Although he was initially excited about the Duo, he changed his mind after learning that the device does not feature Face ID.

Instead, he plans to order two units for friends who want to secure the phone on launch day. He will also help them collect their devices.

Face ID and Mini Apple Pencil Could Influence Future Purchases

Rafique said he continues to follow developments surrounding Apple's first foldable smartphone and hopes the company will introduce additional features in a future version.

He expects Apple to bring back Face ID and introduce an integrated Mini Apple Pencil next year. If those features become available, he said he would be among the first buyers.

iPhone Duo Launch Creates Excitement in the UAE

The strong interest in Apple's first foldable iPhone highlights the excitement surrounding major product launches, particularly among loyal customers eager to experience new designs and technology.

While some UAE buyers are willing to pay thousands of dirhams above the starting price for immediate access, others are taking a more cautious approach and waiting to see how the device performs before upgrading.