Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max opened at 4 pm on Saturday, September 12, in the UAE, and reactions among Apple users across the country are mixed. While some long-time fans already planned their purchase down to the last detail, others are holding back to see how
Apple's first foldable phone, the Duo, turns out. Certain media outlets in the UAE spoke to the residents ahead of the pre-order window to understand what is driving their decisions this year.
Indian expat Abdul Rafeeque, who currently owns an iPhone 17 Pro, said he is going for the iPhone 18 Pro in burgundy on day one.
"The new iPhone is a clear step ahead of the previous one," he said, adding that he is keen to see what the A20 Pro chip and the variable aperture camera can do.
Rafeeque said he prepared well ahead of the 4 pm window, with his Apple Account signed in, payment card checked, and trade-in estimate already done.
"I've learned the hard way that the pre-order isn't won at 4 pm. You need to plan everything early," he highlighted, saying he was also among the first buyers of the iPhone 14 Pro in the UAE and attended every Apple launch since.
UAE resident Hamda Al Khlyeli takes a more cautious approach. "I think the new iPhone looks really good," she said, adding that camera quality and battery life will decide whether she upgrades.
She said she plans to compare the new phone against her current device before making a final call, but remains loyal to the brand for its simplicity and how well Apple devices work together.
Also read: Apple Says Rivals Knew the iPhone Duo’s Shape, but Not its Display Secret
For UAE resident Eisa Ahmed, the decision is less straightforward. "I'm still waiting," he said, adding that he wants to see how people react to the new features and think through the Duo before spending money on the 18 Pro.
The absence of Face ID on this year's Duo remains a sticking point for him, since he relies on it daily. Rafeeque shares a similar hesitation despite his excitement for a foldable iPhone, citing the missing Face ID feature as a reason he is still undecided on the Duo itself. Both men agree that a future foldable combining Face ID with strong Pro-level features could finally win them over.