Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max open online in the UAE at 4 pm local time on Saturday, September 12. Both models go on sale in stores from Friday, September 18.
Buyers can place their order through Apple's official website, choosing the model, storage, and colour, with the option of home delivery or in-store pickup where available. Apple also opened pre-orders for its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, though on a separate timeline starting October 16, with availability from October 23.
Also read: Apple Event LIVE Updates: What Happened After the iPhone 18 Pro, Duo Launch
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at AED 5,099, while the Pro Max begins at AED 5,499, both for the base 256GB variant. Prices rise with the storage tier chosen, with options going up to 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
Buyers can pick from four finishes: burgundy, glacier, silver and black. Just like last year, Apple is not offering walk-in purchases on launch day this time either.
However, an Apple customer service agent told the media that a few extra units could become available in stores after September 18. Once all pre-ordered devices are handed out, those units could be bought by walk-in customers on a first-come basis.
Apple's trade-in program remains available for those upgrading from an older device. Customers trading in an iPhone 13 or later can get between AED 640 and AED 3,260 in credit toward the new purchase, depending on the model and its condition.
Also read: iPhone Duo is Significantly Cheaper in Dubai: Here’s the Price Gap
Apple recommends signing into the Apple Store app or account ahead of time and confirming both delivery address and payment card details, since most failed pre-orders happen due to expired cards.
Running a trade-in estimate in advance can also save time once the window opens at 4 pm. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come without a physical SIM tray in the UAE, so buyers using Etisalat or du should set up their eSIM transfer before resetting or selling their old phone. iOS 27 rolls out as a free update on Monday, September 14, giving current iPhone users a few days to try the new software before the new devices arrive in stores.