Used iPhone prices in the UAE are expected to come under pressure following the arrival of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, with traders in Dubai’s Deira predicting declines for several older devices.
The new iPhone models became available in the UAE on September 18 after residents were able to place pre-orders from September 12. The launch has prompted some owners of older iPhones to consider whether to sell their devices before prices decline further.
Ashraf, who owns a mobile phone shop in Deira, said used iPhones typically lose value when a newer generation enters the market.
“Used iPhone prices normally come under pressure when a new model enters the market,” he said. “I expect some models could lose around 10 per cent in value within about a week.”
He said an iPhone 17 Pro Max in good condition currently sells for about Dh3,300, but its value could fall to around Dh3,000 following the iPhone 18 launch.
However, the impact is expected to vary between models. Ashraf said the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains in strong demand while limited availability could support its resale value.
“The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still in very strong demand, and availability is limited,” he said. “So its price could even remain strong or increase.”
The condition of a device is another major factor affecting resale prices. Mursheed, another Deira trader, said battery health can have a significant impact on offers.
“If the battery health is around 80 per cent, the offer can be roughly 15 to 20 per cent lower,” he said.
Physical damage can also reduce the amount sellers receive. Mursheed said a replaced screen could lower a phone’s value by about Dh350, while a replaced battery could reduce the offer by around Dh300. Visible scratches may result in a further reduction of approximately Dh200.
Devices with battery health of about 95 per cent, good physical condition and original accessories such as the box and charging cable are generally expected to command stronger prices.
Some consumers may also consider Apple’s trade-in programme instead of selling their phones directly. Arshad, who operates a mobile shop at Times Square Center Dubai, said interest in the iPhone 18 range is already high, including the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo.
“We are expecting prices of used phones will definitely fall once the phone comes into the UAE market,” he said.
Apple’s trade-in values range from about Dh160 to more than Dh3,000, depending on the model and condition of the device. Mursheed said whether a trade-in or cash sale provides greater value depends on the individual phone.
The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable model, is scheduled to become available for pre-order in October, potentially adding another factor to the UAE’s used smartphone market.
