iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models sold out in UAE due to high pre-order demand

Apple plans to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max across the United Arab Emirates on Friday, September 18. This launch follows a pre-order period that demonstrated high demand in the region; some users reported that the devices sold out in less than 20 minutes.

One dedicated iPhone fan, Abdul Rafik from India, told Khaleej Times that placing an order required careful planning. He shared his experience of logging into the system several hours before the Saturday launch, linking his credit card, and receiving a preliminary trade-in estimate.

As the excitement surrounding the iPhone peaks, a question arises, especially for those who failed to place a pre-order: is it still possible to purchase the device? Below is an overview of purchasing options, pricing policy, and expectations in stores.

Is it possible to just walk in and buy?

No. As in last year, Apple does not offer the option to purchase on the day of the sales start. Customers who placed a pre-order for in-store pickup will be notified by email of the date and time they can receive their devices. They have a one-week window from the date they become available for collection.

However, an Apple customer support representative informed Khaleej Times that additional units may appear in stores after Friday, September 18, once all pre-ordered units have been collected. These customers who come to the store will be able to purchase them on a first-come, first-served basis.

What will the cost be?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts from 5,099 dirhams for the 256GB version, while the Pro Max starts from 5,499 dirhams. Available storage options reach 2TB, with corresponding prices being 10,199 and 10,599 dirhams.

A trade-in option is also available: depending on the current device, a credit of 160 to 3,260 dirhams can be received towards the purchase of a new phone.

What are my options if I didn't pre-order?

For those intending to get the device on the first day, the best solution is to check official Apple stores in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall, or Al Maryah Island after the pre-order collection period ends. Alternatively, telecommunication partners e& and du have limited stock of devices within their tariff plans. Noon minutes also offers a pre-order option, but stock on this platform is sold out.

Another reliable way for buyers in the UAE to get the phone on the first day is to visit mobile electronics retailers, especially in the Deira and Bur Dubai areas. Many of them have taken orders and will have devices for sale on the first day, albeit at a higher price. Mohammed Sharif, owner of Extel Mobiles, noted: 'We placed pre-orders and received messages and calls from those expecting to receive devices on the first day and wanting to sell them at a premium. Prices will vary according to demand.'

Retailers such as Sharaf DG, Emax, Jumbo, and Virgin Megastore are also accepting pre-orders, with some indicating that delivery is scheduled for Friday, September 18.

What if I want a foldable phone?

Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will arrive later. Pre-orders open on October 16, and availability begins on October 23. Its starting price is 8,499 dirhams.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models began on September 12, 2026, in the UAE, and buyers quickly placed their upgrade orders.

However, purchasing a new smartphone is only half the battle. Given the high cost (the price of the iPhone 18 Pro starts from Dh5,099), the right accessories are necessary to protect the investment and give the phone a personal touch, including screen protection and fast charging.

In this regard, the list compilers studied available accessories on Amazon so that readers would not have to spend hours searching. Below are the items that caught attention and were included in this list. Stocks are selling out quickly.

In line with rumors, Apple has officially announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. One of the central features of these devices is the new Apple A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2nm process. Furthermore, some visual characteristics deserve attention from the first contact, such as the reduced Dynamic Island version.

The company also clarified that more accessible models, such as the standard iPhone 18 and the second-generation iPhone Air, will only be released in 2027. This situation reflects a change in Apple's launch strategy, prioritizing the highly anticipated foldable iPhone Duo.

Maintaining tradition, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max feature 6.3 and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. The external design shows few modifications compared to the iPhone 17 Pro line, keeping the camera module occupying the entire upper area on the back.

One of the few notable aesthetic changes is the Dynamic Island, the cutout on the screen that houses the front camera and sensors, which virtually expands when using certain iPhone features or apps. On both the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, this notch has been reduced by about 35%, allowing for a wider expansion capacity for the Dynamic Island.

This reduction in the cutout was made possible by moving the Face ID sensor to the upper left corner of the screen, positioning it just below this point.

Regarding the displays, the new devices are equipped with OLED panels that use LTPO+ technology and support the ProMotion refresh rate of up to 120 Hz.

The models are available in four colors: dark cherry, light blue, dark gray, and silver. It is important to note that the black and metallic orange colors, present in the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, are not part of this new selection.

Apple provided the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with the unprecedented A20 Pro chip, produced using TSMC's N2 process, with 2 nanometers. The improvement in lithography allowed the chip to incorporate more transistors, resulting in greater processing power.

The configuration includes six CPU cores and seven GPU cores, one more graphics core than the A19 Pro. This arrangement provides up to 20% more CPU performance, 40% more GPU, and 30% more energy efficiency compared to the previous model.

Concerning power consumption, Apple reported that the battery life of the devices has been increased, as detailed in the video playback segment.