iPhone 16 Pre-Orders Ignite Frenzy in UAE, Markups Soar Ahead of Launch

As pre-orders for the iPhone 16 open at 4 pm on Friday, anticipation has reached a fever pitch across the UAE. Eager buyers and opportunistic resellers have flooded social media and classified platforms, listing the highly sought-after device with significant markups.

Ads are showcasing the iPhone 16 for delivery as early as September 20, with prices soaring as much as Dh3,000 above the official retail price. Sellers are looking to capitalize on the demand from buyers who want to be among the first to own Apple’s latest release.

Among the most coveted models is the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256GB storage. Officially priced at Dh5,099 on Apple’s website, resellers are offering the device for up to Dh8,000. Other listings for the same model show prices hovering around Dh6,500, reflecting a premium of nearly Dh1,500 over the retail cost.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB of storage, which carries an official price tag of Dh5,949, is also being offered for Dh8,000. Across all Pro models, starting at Dh4,299, sellers are adding a markup of at least Dh1,000. The most expensive model in the lineup, the iPhone 16 Pro with 1TB of storage, is listed by resellers for Dh8,000—far above its official price of Dh6,399.

In conversations with Khaleej Times, one seller explained that the high prices are driven by surging demand. “We are currently charging a premium of Dh1,800 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB,” the seller said. “But if demand increases, prices could go even higher. To secure the current price, we ask buyers to deposit Dh500, with the balance payable upon delivery.”

Some sellers are offering bulk purchase discounts, while others are using tactics like limited stock claims to create a sense of urgency. These tactics are driving up prices as buyers rush to secure their orders.

With pre-orders now open, the iPhone 16 launch in the UAE is shaping up to be a lucrative opportunity for resellers, as eager Apple fans scramble to get their hands on the newest iPhone, regardless of the premium.