The new iPhone 17 series of Apple products had an eye-catching launch in the UAE, and Dubai Mall was the epicenter of every activity. Since the early mornings of the opening day, Apple fans could be seen rushing to the flagship Apple Store to feel the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The base model, priced at Dh3,399, and the full-fledged Pro Max, at Dh5,099, have caused the hype to be matched with the hype of the new models provided by Apple.
Lines of Apple fans were already spread across the Dubai Mall atrium by 6am, but the launching this year was much more organized than it was the previous years. Only pre-order customers had access, and opening points as well as access were sealed by security, and small groups of people were led inside. Employees applauded and cheered every customer walking away with the latest iPhones, turning the occasion into a small-scale celebration.
Table of Contents
The Star of the Show: Cosmic Orange Pro Max
The cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro Max became the sensation out of the four models. It is what many shoppers referred to as the must-have of the season due to its eye-catching new colour and smooth build, which, according to Apple, is the thinnest iPhone it has ever made. The improved battery life and the further-enhanced camera system of the Pro Max became the buzz among the fans, although others chose the lightweight iPhone 17 Air, known to be very portable and boasting a colorful display.
iPhone 17 Lineup and UAE Pricing
- iPhone 17 – From Dh3,399
- iPhone 17 Air – From Dh4,299
- iPhone 17 Pro – From Dh4,699
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – From Dh5,099
Resale Market Heats Up
Close to the Apple store, just outside the famous Dubai Mall Waterfall, the hype soon became a sort of mini resale market. They observed groups of resellers selling the latest iPhones at high prices, and some buyers were ready to pay up to Dh1,000 to Dh2,000 or even more money to buy the Pro Max on the first day.
One reseller mentioned that the prices are quite high at the moment, yet they can be lowered tomorrow, and the demand is high as the tourists from Russia come to the UAE, and the iPhones sold in the country are based on the eSIM only, which has not stopped the international buyers with high intentions.
eSIM-Only Models and Tourist Demand
The iPhones sold in the UAE this year, similar to the US, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, have eSIM-only, without physical SIM card slots. Although other retailers cautioned they were not sure whether tourists would be willing to make purchases within this new system, customers were not deterred, and many travelled internationally with the intent of getting their devices on the first day.
A Smooth, Secured, and Organized Launch Experience
Retailers and fans acclaimed the enhanced security and management of the crowd over the past years. “This time it was far smoother,” observed one of the first purchasers, “with its system of orderly entry and more thorough safety precautions.” Customers tried new features such as iOS 26, tried the improved cameras, and tried the new AirPods, which had more powerful noise cancellation and could also translate new languages, in the store.
Also Read: Top 5 Must-Visit Outdoor Attractions in Dubai Reopening After Summer
The iPhone 17 was launched with cosmic orange Pro Max in the lead, and this showed that Dubai is still one of the most exciting global markets of Apple. It will be the new high-tech advances, the innovative style, or the resale market; the new product that Apple has introduced has once again made the mere product announcement seem more like a citywide event.
Management of this yearly launch was commended by the fans. Tightly protected access, queue management, and orderly movement led to an easier experience than the past few years. The feeling in the house was electric, yet it was secure and contained. One thing was very much evident as Dubai fans were walking off with their new devices, and that is the iPhone 17 Pro Max in cosmic orange was not merely a smartphone but the star of the launch.