Dubai shoppers queue overnight for iPhone 18 Pro Max launch

Apple fans in Dubai began lining up as early as 3am on Thursday for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Gulf News reported.

The devices went on sale in stores across the UAE, with initial purchases limited to customers who had pre-ordered.

Has the iPhone 18 Pro Max launched in Dubai?

Yes. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale in stores across the UAE on Thursday, September 18. Customers who pre-ordered the devices were the first allowed to make in-store purchases, with long queues forming at Dubai Mall well before opening.

Dubai residents Mohammad and Mal said they waited at the Dubai Mall parking lot through the night. The queue inside the mall started forming around 7am, though several customers said they had been waiting outside since about 5am.

Which iPhone 18 Pro Max color is most popular in Dubai?

The Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max emerged as the most popular model among shoppers. Many customers left the store carrying multiple devices bought for relatives and friends.

Mohammad Shaka was first in line to buy the new iPhone. He was also the first person to buy the iPhone 17 in Dubai last year. He said he always pre-orders as soon as a new model is announced and gets help from friends to secure his spot. Shaka bought three iPhone 18 Pro Max devices for his family, including Glacier and Burgundy models.

How much are Dubai shoppers spending on the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Some shoppers spent large amounts on the new phones. Dubai resident Amin spent almost Dh40,000 on several Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max units, with storage ranging from 256GB to 512GB. He said he was upgrading from an iPhone 12 and was drawn by the improved camera.

Another resident, Abdul, bought seven phones for family and friends, spending between Dh60,000 and Dh70,000. He said some friends would pay him back for the devices.

Who else showed up for the Dubai iPhone 18 launch?

The launch also attracted younger buyers. Dubai school student Hamdan skipped school to attend with his uncle Fazrul. He said he wanted the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max and was buying phones for friends and family with his uncle.

Some shoppers switched back to Apple for the new release. Indian university student Hastim Dolwani said he had used an iPhone before moving to Samsung, but felt Samsung no longer suited him. He said he had waited since 5am to buy the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are Apple's latest premium smartphones, with the Pro Max as the larger flagship model. UAE buyers have shown strong interest in the new range's colors, storage options and camera upgrades, with the first wave of customers now receiving their devices after pre-orders opened last week.