Pre-ordering of iPhone 17 and Air models begins in the UAE, with the first purchaser made at Dubai Mall
The much-anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 at Dubai Mall attracted a crowd of eager customers, who waited in line to be among the first to purchase the new devices.
Mohammad Shaka, a Pakistani national and UAE resident, was the first customer in line for the iPhone 17 launch. He arrived at the Apple Store at 6am to secure his spot. Shaka plans to buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max in the cosmic orange colour, which emerged as the clear favourite among the first customers.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max was the most popular model among the early buyers. While the iPhone 17 Air was one of Apple's most talked-about new releases, it seemed that the Pro Max stole the show at the Dubai Mall. One customer purchased two iPhone 17 Pro Max devices and an iPhone Air in different colours.
The launch was a celebration, with staff cheering and applauding as customers entered the store. Security at the mall managed the crowds by allowing groups of customers to queue outside the Apple Store in stages.
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at Dh4,699, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced from Dh5,099 in the UAE. However, no information was provided about the cost of the iPhone 17 Air in the UAE.
One customer stated that the battery and camera of the iPhone 17 Air do not appeal to them, suggesting that the Pro Max might be the more attractive option for early buyers. Muhammad Adil, another early buyer, expressed excitement about testing the camera of his new iPhone 17 Pro Max. Adil, like Shaka, is a Pakistani national and UAE resident.
Despite the smaller numbers compared to previous years due to Apple's pre-order system and the requirement to pay in advance for orders, lines formed early in the day. The iPhone 17 Air was also purchased by some early buyers, but not as popular as the Pro Max.
No information was provided about the trade-in options for the iPhone 17 in the UAE. The manufacturer of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple, and it was officially unveiled on September 9, 2025.
