(Image caption: Customers photograph promotional displays for Apple’s new iPhone Duo outside an Apple Store in Shanghai on October 22, 2026, ahead of its UAE launch. Photo: AFP/Hector Retamal.)
Demand for Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has exceeded supply at several UAE retailers, with some reporting that their initial stocks sold out within hours of launch. Other retailers have reported temporary shortages of specific storage and colour variants.
The device is scheduled to go on sale across the UAE on October 23, 2026, following the opening of pre-orders on October 16. Starting at Dh8,499, the iPhone Duo is Apple’s most expensive smartphone to date, and strong demand could mean longer waiting times for customers placing orders now.
“Apple Duo has started on quite a strong note. The demand for the product, in spite of its ticket size, has surpassed our expectations. Due to this strong demand, we were sold out within hours of the launch. Consumers were waiting for the new variant from Apple, and they love it,” a Jumbo spokesperson told Khaleej Times.
iPhone Duo Prices in the UAE
The iPhone Duo is available in four storage configurations, with prices reaching Dh13,599 for the highest-capacity model.
- 256GB: Dh8,499
- 512GB: Dh9,349
- 1TB: Dh11,049
- 2TB: Dh13,599
Earlier reports indicated that some buyers in Deira were willing to pay a premium of up to Dh2,500 to secure the device immediately.
Analysts expect Apple to sell as many units as it can produce, although the high price could present a challenge in the UAE market. The iPhone Duo costs significantly more than competing foldable phones, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8, which is around Dh3,000 cheaper.
Retailers Work to Replenish Stocks
Mohammad Yousuf Badri, director of Eros Group, also reported a positive response, particularly from customers attracted by the phone’s foldable design.
However, he said availability differs depending on the colour and storage configuration.
“Certain variants may be temporarily unavailable, in which case customers would need to wait for the next allocation,” Badri said.
The retailer is working with its supply partners to replenish stocks and minimise waiting times.
Badri also cautioned against assuming that strong initial interest would necessarily translate into sustained demand.
“There’s a difference between initial excitement and sustained demand,” he said, adding that the company was monitoring customer enquiries, actual orders and stock movements to assess purchasing trends.
Which iPhone Duo Models and Colours Are Most Popular?
According to Badri, the 512GB version is attracting the most interest, followed by the 1TB and 256GB models.
Night Sky appears to be more popular among male customers, while Star White has attracted greater interest among female customers, although overall demand for the two colours remains fairly balanced.
The availability of individual variants may therefore vary as retailers receive new allocations.
Will Instalment Payments Help Buyers?
With prices starting at Dh8,499, the iPhone Duo costs considerably more than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which starts at Dh5,499 in the UAE.
Buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) services and other flexible payment options could appeal to customers looking to spread the cost, particularly for higher-storage models.
Badri said such options become more relevant at this price level, although he noted that customers have different payment preferences.
While some buyers prefer to pay upfront, others choose instalments. However, he said there was not yet enough evidence to suggest a significant shift towards instalment payments.
“I wouldn’t want to suggest there’s been a major shift towards instalment payments without having the actual figures to support that,” he said.
Strong Launch, but Supply Remains a Key Factor
The iPhone Duo’s early reception points to considerable interest in Apple’s first foldable phone, despite its premium price.
However, the duration of the current demand surge will depend on how interest translates into confirmed sales and how quickly retailers can replenish stocks.
For UAE buyers, checking availability across different storage configurations and colours may be important, particularly for those hoping to secure the phone immediately after its October 23 release.
