iPhone 16 in UAE: Die-hard fans go to malls at 5am, tourists fly in for a day; as it happened

With new rules in place, the crowds typically seen on Apple release days gave way to more organised queues this year, ensuring smooth movement for mall-goers

Published: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 8:10 AM

Last updated: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 9:09 PM

It was a big day for Apple fans in the UAE: The iPhone 16 lineup officially went on sale in stores across the country on Friday. Friends and families, residents and tourists from around the world trooped to malls, with some arriving as early as 5am — all determined to be among the first buyers.

With new rules in place, the crowds typically seen on Apple release days gave way to more organised queues this year. No walk-ins were allowed and specific time slots were allotted to those who made online reservations.

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Apple restricted the number of phones that could be purchased to two per Apple ID, which means the stories of people buying more than 10 iPhones in one go was not seen this year. Nonetheless, people got creative, using different IDs to take home multiple devices.

Khaleej Times' journalists on the ground spoke to residents spending family time at the Apple store, tourists who came to the country for the first time solely for the launch, and die-hard fans who walked out with the latest addition to their collection.

12.27pm: Global launch

The Apple products launched for in-store sale in different parts of the world, as customers made online reservations, queued up, and shared smiles when they got their hands on the much-awaited latest device. Here are some photos from the Apple Stores in Shanghai, Seoul, and Mumbai:

Apple Store in Shanghai. Photo: Apple

Apple Store in Seoul. Photo: Apple

Outside Apple Store in Mumbai. Photo: ANI

12.11pm: What can you do with your older devices?

As residents spend on the new iPhones, they can trade in their older devices (Android or Apple) for the new iPhone 16, with a bonus of Dh100 when trading in certain models.

Authorised retailers are also offering customers buy-back programmes for older models where owners can get back up to 80 per cent of their iPhone’s value, helping smoothen the financial aspect when upgrading to the latest release.

11.53am: Phones or watches?

Along with the iPhone 16 lineup, a host of new products were released in-store on September 20 across UAE. The smartphones seem to be a fan favourite, with many buyers walking out with more than one.

However, although customers remain eager to check out the watches and airpods, many preferred to casually browse its features rather than immediately purchasing them.

11.43am: 'Children's first smartphones'

Why is the launch of a new Apple product a much-loved event among families? Dubai-based IT security expert Rayad Kamal Ayub noted iPhone’s reputation for security adds a layer of appeal.

“Parents – concerned about their teenagers’ digital well-being – may lean towards iPhones as a secure option for their children’s first smartphones,” Ayub added, noting: “Apple is a household name in the UAE with almost 14 per cent iOS users.”

11.29am: Latest Airpods, Apple Watch

Along with the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple's new Watch Ultra 2 and Airpods have been unveiled. Apple users can anticipate better sound quality and hearing health with the latest AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. The AirPods Pro 2 also offers the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience, including a Hearing Test and real-time sound adjustments through a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

Apple Watch has long been used as a tool in fitness activities. With Apple Watch Ultra 2, athletes and adventurers can now take advantage of a robust GPS system, 36 hours of battery life, and new features such as sleep apnea notifications and a Tides app for open-water activities. Apple also launched its thinnest watch yet, the Apple Watch Series 10, featuring a nearly 10 per cent slimmer design.

11.25am: No AI yet?

iPhone 16 is also the first iPhone to come without fully functional features. The AI features, perhaps Apple’s most anticipated for the new device, is slated to release in October via software updates for iOS 18 users on 15, 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 series.

It is currently in beta testing.

11.10am: No Apple stickers?

As excited customers take home their purchases and upload unboxing videos, we can no longer expect to see the iconic Apple stickers. The stickers featuring its recognisable logo will no longer be included in the box with the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the tech giant earlier announced as part of its push towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

If specifically requested by the buyer, the stickers will be included. They will also be available in Apple stores, however; home delivery orders will not include the stickers even if requested by the customer.

10.57am: Customers at Yas Mall

In Yas Mall, Manan Ansari, an Indian expat, has become one of the first users to get his hands on the new iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB version.

Ahmed Abdullah Nuaimi, an Emirati, has also purchased an iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB at the Apple store in Abu Dhabi's mall.

10.41am: Abu Dhabi fans, where you at?

The scene at the Apple store in Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall is fairly tranquil compared to its counterpart in Dubai. Customers are gradually being allowed to enter the store. Only a few are left in the queue, and the area is free of massive crowds, ensuring mall-goers can move around smoothly.

10.30am: Birthday gifts

Shakeel Bahri, a Pakistani expat, has purchased Apple's latest as birthday gifts for sons Jaleel Bahri and Wakeel Bahri, aged 15 and 12.

The expat is a fan of the latest technology, newest cameras, and loves innovation and "creativity," he says. Bahri is upgrading from iPhone 12 and iPhone 14.

10.21am: Expert weighs in on 'iPhone craze'

"Why is there a craze for iPhones? Is it just for show-off and status? Maybe for some but not for everyone,” said avid iPhone user Rex Bacarra, Ph.D., who is also an Abu Dhabi-based university professor of Philosophy and Ethics.

“Apple branding is status-making. It is undeniable that Apple has a cultural prestige but reducing their popularity to just a status symbol is over-simplification of the impact it has for generations. I see the iPhone as a representation of innovation, reliability, security, and quality. Apple pushes the boundaries of innovation – of what works consistently and reliably with cutting edge features. Design is truly sleek and elegant but it’s the functionality that is at the heart of it all,” added the university professor who will be trading his current iPhone 15 to a new iPhone 16.

10.11am: A bet with the boss

KT staffer Ahmed Nokari opted to skip the queues and get his device by booking through telcom operator du. At 10am, he was the proud owner of a brand-new iPhone 16 Pro Max, after the unit was hand-delivered by an agent. It is a double joy for Ahmed, who has also won a wager with his boss about whether he'd get his phone today. "He's going to be treating us all to pizza next week," he said.

Watch our channels for the official unboxing video today.

10.03am: Re-selling for Dh500 profit

Among the crowd at Yas Mall are resellers who are looking to buy iPhone 16 units from customers who are getting them on the first day. Speaking to Khaleej Times on condition of anonymity, they said they were willing to pay Dh2,000 extra for the device.

These resellers would then offer the phones at an even steeper price — Dh2,500 higher than the retail value. This would allow them to make a quick profit of Dh500 per device.

9.38am: Customers trickling in

The Apple Store at Yas Mall was open only to a small group of people for the first two hours.

Now, more buyers with reservation are being allowed to enter, with many still waiting in queue for their turn.

9.28am: From iPhone 8 to 16 Pro Max

For Russian tourists Sergei Yastremskiy and his wife Yulia Danilenko, it was two birds with one stone as they bought their new Apple phone, and also visited Dubai which they wanted to do for the past 10 years.

Yastremskiy, who was in the Olympics support team in Russia, is upgrading from iPhone 10, and is delighted with the 16 Pro Max which is the "ideal phone with an ideal camera and design", he says. His wife Danilenko previously had an iPhone 8. The two are returning tomorrow morning.

9.13am: New features, prices

Desert titanium has become a popular choice for purchasers as the colour was introduced for the first time this year in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, replacing blue.

In the iPhone lineup, customers are also eagerly awaiting the Apple Intelligence, a groundbreaking AI system that will be available in beta as a free software update next month.

The iPhone 16 Pro starts at Dh4,299, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at Dh5,099 for its base model in the UAE.

9am: 'No Apple Store back home'

For Russian tourists Azat Dzhabarov, Evgenii parlikokosh, and Irina Ovcharenko, the closure of the Apple Store back home meant they flew to Dubai for the new releases.

The three friends travelled to UAE on September 12, and are planning to return today, with their iPhone Pro Max and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in hand.

8.49am: Commuting to different malls

An Indian expat, AR Rehman has reserved 4 iPhones, and has already received 3 of them from Dubai Mall. With these in hand, he will receive his fourth from the Mall of the Emirates at 5.30pm.

8.45am: One lucky buyer

People with reservations continue to wait to take home their new devices. The Apple Store at Yas Mall remains empty, with only one fortunate customer having exited so far, proudly taking his purchase. A strict protocol appears to be in place, with access controlled to ensure smooth process. Hundreds of fans are waiting outside to glance at the recent reveal from Apple, hoping to be among the next few to be allowed inside.

8.36am: Die-hard Apple fan

Khalid Almehairi gave Khaleej Times a look at the "satisfying" unboxing of his iPhone 16 Pro Max. Watch it here:

He also offered us a glimpse into his impressive lineup of Apple products. The citizen upgrades his collection with the new releases every year.

8.25am: From airport to Apple store

Turkish siblings Berk and Burcu Senay arrived in Dubai 3 hours ago, flying in from Turkey to Abu Dhabi solely for purchasing the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple's newest phones would've cost them "around Dh12,000 with taxes" in Turkey, the duo says, deciding to get their tech in Dubai instead.

According to research published by Nukeni, a global price-comparison website for gadgets, in 2022, Turkey replaced Brazil for the most expensive iPhone in the world.

The two are all smiles, planning to fly back home today, new iPhones in tow.

8.18am: Buyers all smiles

At Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, Samar Iqbal is among the first to receive a phone. He bought the phone for himself.

"I am so delighted to be the first one to get my hands on the phone," said Iqbal.

8.13am: First buyer in!

Hilal Raza is the first customer to purchase an iPhone at Dubai Mall. Time for a change, Raza said, as he bought the iPhone 16 Pro Max, an upgrade from his previous iPhone 13 Pro Max.

The Pakistani expat is waiting to get home, so he can unbox it with his mother. Watch a video here:

8am: Traditional welcome

The first shoppers in Dubai Mall were greeted with loud applause and cheers as they entered the Apple Store. On every launch day, the iconic welcome increases the buzz in the atmosphere as the buyers line up to be the first ones to purchase the latest Apple products. Watch the video here:

7.58am: Family time at the iPhone launch

Sayed Fawaz, an Indian expat, is eagerly waiting with his family in Dubai Mall to get his hands on the new phone.

Fawaz was the first person to purchase the iPhone 15 Pro Max released last year. He is now waiting to buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max in desert titanium colour for his wife. Fawaz is looking forward to the new AI features, and the loyal Apple customer claims "nothing can beat iOS."

7.42am: Time for a change

Hilal Raza, a Pakistani expat, reserved the iPhone 16 Pro Max on September 13, going for the desert titanium design. For this loyal customer, the iPhone 16 came just in time as he wanted a change from his 13 Pro Max.

7.37am: Here since 5am

Saquib Hassan, an iPhone enthusiast, arrived at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi as early as 5am to pick up his pre-ordered phones, which he reserved on September 13. Here's the proof of his reservation:

"I have secured my iPhone Pro Max 256 for collection at 1pm, with the other Pro Max 512 in the evening. I came early in hopes of getting both sooner," said Hassan, who purchased one phone for himself and the other for his brother.

7.30am: Some customers 'unaware' of new rules

Many iPhone fans have lined up at Yas Mall without prior reservations, but only those with confirmation are being allowed to queue.

Saeed Ibrahim, who arrived at the mall as early as 6am to purchase directly from the store, said, "I wasn't aware of this new rule that Apple has introduced. Last year, I got a phone without any issues, but now we're being told that if we don’t have a reservation, we have to leave."

7.25am: No reservation, no access

Are you planning to go to the mall? If you are after an iPhone, make sure you have a reservation because you will not be allowed beyond a certain point without it, at both Dubai Mall and Yas Mall.

7.21am: Queues in Abu Dhabi

At the Apple Store in Yas Mall, eager customers have lined up, hoping to get their eyes on the latest smartphone.

7.13am: Reminder

Apple users who have reserved online in advance will have to show the email as proof, according to officials.

If you took a screenshot, thinking that will come in handy, those won't work! You will have to show the original email as proof. Customers must also provide the Apple ID.

7am: We're in!

Those who may have planned to queue up at Apple stores — particularly at the tech giant's flagship branch at Dubai Mall — way before opening hours would have been disappointed. Security is tight at the mall and no one was allowed entry prior to 7am

Here's the scene at Dubai Mall:

6.45am: No entry

At Dubai Mall, only a select few were allowed entry to play ice hockey. Khaleej Times managed to gain access, and observed tight security measures that prevented movement beyond the designated area.

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