As excitement builds for the in-store release of Apple’s iPhone 16 on September 20, UAE residents have already begun trading in older models to ensure they are among the first to own the much-anticipated iPhone 16 Pro Max.
With pre-orders and advance deposits flooding local markets, traders report a significant spike in demand, driven by tech enthusiasts eager to secure Apple’s latest flagship device.
In some cases, customers are even paying markups of up to Dh2,000 to guarantee they are at the forefront of the iPhone 16 launch.
Pre-orders Surge with Markup Payments
Local traders are seeing an overwhelming number of enquiries and pre-bookings for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with many customers paying in advance to secure their spot.
According to Moideen Mustafa, manager at Phone Line in Deira, the demand for the new model has been extraordinary.
“We’ve received hundreds of enquiries daily since the beginning of September. Many loyal iPhone users have already made advance payments to book their iPhone 16 Pro Max. Some have even agreed to pay Dh2,000 over the retail price just to get it on the first day,” Mustafa said.
This high demand has prompted some customers to sell their older iPhones ahead of time, ensuring they can maximize their returns before the market becomes saturated with the new model.
Mustafa added, “Some of our loyal customers have virtually sold their old iPhones to us but are still using them. They’ll trade them in once we get the new iPhones in stock.”
Prices for Older Models Remain High
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max dominates current discussions, the demand for older models, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro Max, has also surged.
Limited supply has driven prices up, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, previously priced at Dh4,000, now selling for Dh4,400 in local markets.
Aladin Akrami from DLM Wholesale confirmed that even used models are commanding higher prices due to increased demand.
“A used iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, that was selling for Dh3,230 is now priced at Dh3,500. Buyers are especially interested in models with five months of warranty left,” Akrami explained.
In addition, Akrami noted that older models such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are still highly sought after. “The current price for a used iPhone 14 Pro Max, 128GB, is Dh1,950, while a used iPhone 15 Pro Max, 128GB, is being sold for Dh2,700.”
Outlook for iPhone Pricing
Despite the upcoming release of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, traders predict that prices for the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max will remain steady for the next two months.
Akrami explained, “We expect a price drop in December for older models, as the new iPhone 16 Pro Max won’t be widely available until then.”
As Apple enthusiasts across the UAE prepare for the official launch of the iPhone 16, traders are bracing for what could be one of the most competitive and profitable iPhone release cycles in recent years.
With advance bookings pouring in and prices for older models holding strong, the demand for Apple’s iconic device shows no signs of slowing down.