Dubai buyers are paying up to AED 300 extra for the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro Max as shoppers turn to local phone markets to avoid waiting weeks for official delivery. Apple’s UAE online store lists the 512GB Burgundy model at AED 6,349. On October 6, the store showed an estimated Dubai delivery window from October 28 to November 4. Traders in Deira said the Burgundy version is attracting stronger demand than other colours.
Mohammed Mustafa, a phone trader in Deira Market, said customers are currently paying more for the Burgundy variant.“Only burgundy is seeing this kind of demand right now,” he said. Mustafa expects the premium to ease as more units enter the local market. He said flagship colours often attract strong attention when they first arrive.
“We saw the same thing with the orange iPhone 17 Pro last year,” he said. The higher local price is linked to availability. Buyers who want the phone immediately can approach retailers rather than wait for an Apple Store delivery slot.
Also Read: Apple Raises UAE Prices: iPhone 18 Pro Could Get Costlier Soon
Obaidullah Jasir, a seller at Gargash Market, said Apple’s delivery timeline is encouraging some customers to explore local retailers.
“On the Apple Store, the current delivery window for a 512GB Burgundy model has been pushed back to between October 28 and November 4,” Obaid said. “It is listed on several online shopping websites, but orders can only be placed during short booking periods that open from time to time.” Prices at local shops can vary depending on the available color and storage configuration. Buyers are advised to confirm the exact model and price before completing a purchase.
Sellers said black, silver and glacier versions were trading closer to Apple’s UAE pricing. Apple has also announced the iPhone Duo. UAE pre-orders are scheduled to open at 4pm on October 16, with sales starting October 23. Traders expect the launch to bring more customers to Deira’s phone markets this month.