(Image caption: Apple’s iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone, is attracting strong interest from UAE buyers ahead of its retail launch. Photo: Apple.)
Dubai, UAE: Some UAE buyers are prepared to pay a premium of up to Dh2,500 to get their hands on Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, as excitement builds ahead of its launch.
Starting at Dh8,499, the device will be available in Star White and Night Sky. Pre-orders are scheduled to open at 4pm on Friday, October 16, with the phone set to reach stores on October 23.
Traders in Dubai’s Deira phone market say interest is already strong, particularly among Apple fans who have been waiting for the company to enter the foldable-phone market.
Strong Demand for Day-One Availability
Moideeen Mustafa of Phone Line in Deira said many customers want to own the new device on its first day, with some willing to pay extra for immediate availability.
He noted that demand typically rises when Apple introduces a major design change, citing previous launches of the iPhone 17, iPhone 15 and iPhone 11.
According to Mustafa, the premium could remain in place for two to three weeks as buyers compete to secure the new model.
Mohammed Mohsin of Gargash Market in Baniyas Square said many early buyers are upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro Max after skipping the iPhone 18 Pro Max while waiting for Apple’s first foldable phone.
He added that the 256GB and 512GB versions are attracting interest, with customers seeking both available colours.
A New Design Driving Excitement
Some buyers view the iPhone Duo as more than a routine smartphone upgrade, seeing ownership on launch day as a way to experience a major new product design.
However, not every Apple enthusiast is planning to buy the device immediately.
Some Buyers Prefer to Wait
Abdul Rafique, a longtime Apple user, said he had prepared his devices for pre-orders but decided against buying the Duo for himself after learning that it does not feature Face ID.
Having purchased an iPhone 18 Pro Max the previous month, Rafique said he would instead order two devices for friends who want them on launch day. He plans to help them secure their phones and collect the devices on their behalf.
Rafique said he was following developments around Apple’s first foldable smartphone and hoped a future version would include Face ID and an integrated Mini Apple Pencil. If those features are introduced next year, he said he would be eager to buy the next model.
The contrasting reactions highlight the excitement surrounding Apple’s new design, alongside buyers’ differing priorities when deciding whether to purchase a first-generation device immediately or wait for future versions.
