Some Apple fans in the UAE are willing to pay up to Dh2,500 above the retail price to secure the company’s first foldable smartphone on launch day, as pre-orders for the iPhone Duo open at 4pm on Friday.
The device, priced from Dh8,499, will be available in Star White and Night Sky, with sales beginning in stores on October 23. Interest has already picked up among shoppers and mobile phone traders, particularly those who have been waiting for Apple to enter the foldable-phone market.
Moideeen Mustafa of Phone Line in Deira’s mobile phone market said demand was strong, with customers keen to get the device as soon as it becomes available.
“People are willing to pay a premium of up to Dh2,500 for immediate availability,” he said.
Mustafa added that major design changes to Apple’s products had historically attracted strong demand from customers eager to own the latest model before others. He cited previous launches, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 15 and iPhone 17, as examples of periods when interest increased sharply.
Mohammed Mohsin of Gargash Market in Baniyas Square said many customers interested in the foldable device were currently using the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Some had decided against upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro Max because they wanted to wait for Apple’s first foldable model.
Customers were asking mainly about the 256GB and 512GB versions, with both colour options attracting interest, he said.
“This is not a normal upgrade. It is something completely new from Apple, and for many fans, owning it on the first day is a status purchase,” Mohsin said.
He expects the additional amount buyers are willing to pay for immediate availability to remain in place for at least two to three weeks after the launch, although demand and supply will determine how long the premium lasts.
Despite the excitement, not every Apple enthusiast is planning to buy the device immediately. Some are waiting to see how the first-generation foldable performs before deciding whether to upgrade.
Abdul Rafique, a longtime Apple user, said he had prepared his devices for the pre-order process but had decided against purchasing the Duo for himself after learning that it would not include Face ID.
“I bought the iPhone 18 Pro Max only last month,” he said, adding that he had initially been excited about the new model.
Instead, Rafique plans to place orders for two friends who want to secure the phone on launch day. He said they were relying on his familiarity with Apple’s pre-order process and that he would also collect the devices for them.
Rafique remains interested in the development of Apple’s foldable technology and said he may consider a future version if it includes Face ID and an integrated Mini Apple Pencil.
His decision reflects a divide among early adopters: while some are prepared to pay extra to own Apple’s first foldable phone immediately, others are willing to wait for later versions with features they consider essential.
