By Staff Reporter
Apple fans arrive as early as 3am as Burgundy emerges as the most sought-after colour
DUBAI, September 18, 2026 — Apple enthusiasts in Dubai began lining up before dawn on Thursday as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max officially went on sale across the UAE.
Some shoppers arrived at Dubai Mall as early as 3am, spending several hours waiting ahead of the launch.
“I got here at 3am. We were waiting at the parking lot in Dubai Mall the whole night,” Dubai residents Mohammad and Mal said.
The queue inside the mall began forming around 7am, while other customers said they had been waiting outside since about 5am.
Initial in-store purchases were limited to customers who had pre-ordered the devices, with large crowds turning out to collect their new phones.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max in Burgundy emerged as one of the most popular choices, with several shoppers buying multiple devices for relatives and friends.
Mohammad Shaka, who was first in line to purchase the new iPhone, said he had also been the first person to buy the iPhone 17 in Dubai last year.
“I always make sure I pre-order immediately when it’s announced, but my friends help me out and I have a few tricks I don’t want to reveal,” Shaka said.
This year, Shaka purchased three iPhone 18 Pro Max devices for his family in Glacier and Burgundy.
For some buyers, the launch came with a substantial price tag. Dubai resident Amin spent almost Dh40,000 on several iPhone 18 Pro Max devices in Burgundy, with storage capacities ranging from 256GB to 512GB.
“I actually upgraded from an iPhone 12. It was outdated and the camera for this phone is more impressive,” he said.
Another shopper, Abdul, bought seven phones for family and friends, spending between Dh60,000 and Dh70,000.
“Some of my friends will pay me back for the amount,” he said, adding that he currently owns both an iPhone 17 and an iPhone 12.
The launch also attracted younger Apple fans. Dubai school student Hamdan attended with his uncle Fazrul after deciding to miss school for the event.
“I love Apple products, so this is exciting. I want to get the iPhone 18 Pro Max in Burgundy, and my uncle and I are buying for friends and family,” he said.
Indian university student Hastim Dolwani was among those returning to Apple after previously switching to Samsung.
“I actually used an iPhone before this and decided to change to Samsung, but this phone doesn’t suit me. I’ve been here since 5am and I’m going to get the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max,” he said.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are Apple’s latest premium smartphones, with the Pro Max serving as the larger flagship model. UAE buyers have shown particular interest in the new devices, especially their colour options, storage configurations and camera upgrades.
