Upon its launch in the UAE on September 22, the iPhone 15 saw a rapid sell-out, indicating a demand that surpassed forecasts and expectations. Major electronics retailers, including Jumbo Group and Eros Group, reported that the demand for the latest Apple device doubled compared to its predecessor.
The iPhone 15, along with its Pro and Pro Max models, was launched in the UAE with prices ranging from Dh3,399 to Dh6,799. The phones were initially available at Apple’s outlets in The Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, drawing thousands of enthusiastic customers.
Vikas Chadha, CEO of Jumbo Group, revealed in a Khaleej Times report that the first lot of the iPhone 15 had been sold out, attributing the strong initial demand to factors such as the Pro Max’s aerospace-grade Titanium construction and the company’s customer-friendly policies, including guaranteed buy-backs, instalment plans, trade-ins, and accessory discounts. Chadha anticipates regular weekly supplies to address the high demand.
Similarly, Rajat Asthana, COO of Eros Group, observed a very positive initial response, predicting that the iPhone 15 variant would outperform the previous model. He also noted that a significant portion of the stocks is expected from Apple’s India factory, although the majority will still be sourced from China. Asthana pointed out that the lower prices of iPhones in the UAE compared to other markets, like India, is a driving factor for the soaring demand, with the difference in the iPhone 15 Pro price being a significant Rs38,000.
Muddassir Ahmad, CEO of ECity Electronics, reiterated the substantial year-on-year demand surge of over 100%, especially for the Titanium-colored Pro series. ECity Electronics is enticing customers with bundled offers, including a car, iPhone, and TV, with over 30 bundles already sold in the last three days.
The unanimous sentiment among the retailers is a testament to the iPhone’s sustained appeal in the UAE market, particularly in the premium segment.