Apple iPhone 16 in UAE: Retailers announce trade-in, buyback offers

As the much-anticipated iPhone 16 prepares for its September 20 launch, retailers across the UAE are preparing with a range of attractive trade-in schemes for residents. Retailers are offering customers up to 80 per cent of their iPhone’s value and additional bonuses up to Dh100 on older model trade-ins, making upgrades to the iPhone 16 more affordable in the UAE.

The latest products announced by Apple include the highly-awaited iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max, all of which were unveiled at Apple's September 9 event titled 'Glowtime'.

With the official pre-orders beginning on Friday, September 13, for iPhone 16 and deliveries set to start by September 20 for all products, retailers such as Jumbo Electronics and Eros Group are already witnessing high demand and preparing for a significant surge in sales.

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In a conversation with Khaleej Times, Vikas Chadha, CEO of Jumbo Electronics, highlighted the excitement that comes with each new iPhone launch. "Apple’s reputation for constant innovation continues to captivate a loyal customer base with each new release," Chadha said. "With bold new colours, enhanced AI features, and an increase in screen size, Apple has truly elevated the user experience."

Nilesh Khalkho, CEO at Sharaf DG, echoed these sentiments, saying, "iPhone announcements are always a thrilling period for us at Sharaf DG. Added to that, the UAE’s high consumer interest in cutting-edge technology, premium products, and early adoption of the latest innovations makes this market incredibly responsive to Apple product launches. This results in heightened engagement from both consumers and retailers."

Assured buyback and trade-in

To cater to the UAE's tech-savvy market, where premium devices are highly valued, Jumbo Electronics has introduced two key programmes to make upgrading to the iPhone 16 easier: the Assured Buyback Programme and a Trade-In Programme. The Assured Buyback Programme offers customers up to 70 per cent of their iPhone’s value if they exchange their devices within the first year, with decreasing values over the following years. "This program ensures customers get the best possible value when upgrading their devices in the future," Chadha said.

Sharaf DG, on the other hand, offers another buy-back programme. “With the recent launch of the iPhone 16 series, we are excited to offer our customers flexible payment options and trade-in programs as authorised resellers of Apple products," Khalkho added. "Our Guaranteed Buyback Program provides iPhone 16 series customers with the Highest Buyback Value ever, making it the most affordable program in the region. With up to an unheard-of 80 per cent assured value back, customers can protect their phones from future market valuations for up to three years, leaving them with a wide choice to upgrade to the next iPhone as per their convenience."

Additionally, Jumbo's trade-in programme allows customers to swap their older iPhone models or Android smartphones for the new iPhone 16, with a bonus Dh100 offered on trade-ins for the iPhone 15, 14, and 13 throughout September.

These programmes provide significant value to consumers, enabling them to upgrade more affordably. "We want to ensure that customers get the best possible value when upgrading their devices," Chadha noted, adding that the trade-in programme is particularly useful for those who may have missed Jumbo's buyback offers in previous years.

Similarly, Rajat Asthana, COO of Eros Group, shared his excitement surrounding the new iPhone 16 launch. "The new iPhone launch is a great stimulant for a slow market, and it perfectly aligns with the high-sales season during the holidays and festive period," Asthana explained.

Service support

To leverage this excitement, Eros Group is offering a wide array of added-value services, including attractive trade-in programmes, easy financing schemes, and Apple Care bundle packages. "We want to give consumers more bang for their buck," Asthana said. "By offering expert sales and service support, we ensure that customers feel confident in their purchase decisions."

Khalkho of Sharaf DG also noted that the launch of the iPhone 16 signals potential price revisions and trade-in offers for previous models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14. "This makes it even more enticing for customers to upgrade to the latest Apple technology at affordable prices," he added.

Sharaf DG, Jumbo Electronics and Eros Group are strategically positioning themselves to capture the interest of consumers eager to upgrade to the iPhone 16. With a focus on maximising value through trade-in offers, buyback programmes, and expert customer support, these retailers are prepared to make the transition to Apple’s latest flagship device as smooth and affordable as possible for UAE residents.

Stimulant for a slow market

• iPhone 16, Watch Series 10, AirPods 4 and more: Everything Apple announced at its 'Glowtime' event