UAE: How to buy iPhone 15 in instalments, exchange old models for new ones

The initial response to Apple’s iPhone 15 is very positive, top UAE-based retailers have said. The main draws of the latest model are USB-C charging and a faster new chipset A17.

In the UAE, orders for the iPhone 15 series will begin on September 15 at 4pm. Prices start from Dh3,399 and consumers will get their devices from September 22.

Vikas Chadha, CEO, Jumbo Electronics, said iPhone 15 is expected to do well, with new colours, finishes and upgrades enticing early adopters and switchers to consider a potential shift to the iOS family.

“We also see a potential for old users — one or two generations old — to upgrade their existing devices. The outlook is positive for the initial weeks more so because the launches in other Middle East and Asia markets will happen later,” he said.

Rajat Asthana, chief operating officer of Eros Group, is betting on the incremental changes in terms of USB-C charging, new titanium casing (iPhone Pro), a faster new chipset A17, an improved camera and a new action button that will entice a huge interest among Apple loyalists who have not changed their handsets in the last three-four years.

Eros also confirmed that it has been getting enquiries from both customers and traders for iPhone 15.

Offers

Retailers in the country will be launching different offers for their customers.

Jumbo Electronics' chief said they’re getting inquiries for iPhones and they’re also approaching different customer segments and reaching out to different customer segments, informing them of the pre-order dates, offers on exchange, future buyback and bank offers.

Chadha said Jumbo will have trade-in offers whereby customers can swap their old phone and get the new one at a significant discount.

Rajat Asthana said they will also introduce equated monthly instalment (EMI) and buy-now-pay-later plans for their customers.

Betting on costlier models

Vikas Chadha said that UAE consumers have an affinity towards flagship and high-end products with top specifications. “The trend will continue to favour the Pro models — more so because they enjoy the bulk of the enhancements — especially the Pro Max which is Apple's best iPhone ever.”

Rajat Asthana said the iPhone Pro and Pro Max would do better given the major improvements. “The pricing has also been done in order to push customers to go for the higher models by giving a lot of premium features at a reasonable price,” he added.

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