Speculation that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 could be more expensive in the UAE is already influencing the local smartphone market, with traders reporting higher prices for current iPhone models and a surge in customer interest months before the expected launch.
Mobile phone retailers in Dubai said prices for some iPhone 17 models have risen by between Dh200 and Dh300 in recent weeks as buyers move quickly to secure existing devices ahead of Apple’s next-generation release.
Moideen Mustafa, a trader at Phoneline in Deira, said the iPhone 17 Pro has experienced noticeable price increases due to stronger demand.
“A few days ago, the iPhone 17 Pro was selling for around Dh4,700. Now it is around Dh4,900, and there are chances it could cross Dh5,100 if demand continues,” he said.
He added that second-hand iPhone 17 Pro devices continue to sell for about Dh4,200, although prices in the used market may also increase if demand remains strong.
According to Mustafa, the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256GB of storage is currently selling for around Dh4,000, but traders expect prices for that model to rise as well.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has emerged as one of the most sought-after devices in Dubai’s smartphone market. Mustafa said customer enquiries have increased significantly since reports surfaced suggesting the iPhone 18 may carry a higher price tag.
“People are enquiring every day since the news about the iPhone 18 broke. Demand has increased a lot, and we even saw a shortage of the iPhone 17 Pro Max a few days ago,” he said.
Another trader, Ashraf Hussain, said buyers appear eager to purchase before Apple’s expected launch event, traditionally held in September.
“Many people believe the iPhone 17 Pro Max will continue becoming more expensive until September. After the launch, prices may come down slightly,” he said.
Hussain added that continued demand could lead to limited availability of some popular models in the coming months.
Samad Hassan, a mobile phone trader at Gargash Market in Deira, said premium storage variants have experienced the largest price increases.
“Some 1TB models have become around Dh300 more expensive. Silver is the most popular colour at the moment, and demand is very high,” he said.
Hassan noted that smartphone prices in Dubai’s retail market fluctuate almost daily depending on stock levels and consumer demand. If inventories tighten, prices could continue rising over the coming weeks.
Although Apple has not announced official pricing or launch details for the iPhone 18, traders believe market speculation alone has encouraged many customers to consider purchasing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 series before the next flagship device becomes available.
For now, retailers say the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the most popular models in the UAE market, with demand expected to stay strong until Apple officially unveils its next-generation smartphone.
