Pre-Order the iPhone 17 in the UAE: Dates, Prices, and How to Secure Yours

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement across the globe, and the UAE is no exception. The highly anticipated iPhone 17 series, featuring the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is officially here. For tech enthusiasts and Apple loyalists in the Emirates, the next question is clear: When can you get your hands on them, and what’s the best way to pre-order?

This detailed guide provides all the information you need, from pre-order times and prices to the various ways to secure your new device in the UAE.

Pre-Order & Delivery Dates: Mark Your Calendar

The pre-order window for the entire iPhone 17 lineup opens on Friday, September 12, 2025.

• Pre-Order Time: 4:00 PM GST (4pm UAE time), as part of Apple’s global rollout.
• Official Availability & Deliveries: Friday, September 19, 2025. This is the date when devices will begin shipping and will be available for in-store pickup.

How to Pre-Order the iPhone 17 in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

Securing your new iPhone is a straightforward process with multiple options available in the UAE. Choose the method that best suits your needs, whether you prefer the official Apple Store experience or a carrier-bundled deal.

1. Via Apple’s Official Channels

This is the most direct and reliable method to pre-order an unlocked iPhone.

• Online: Visit the official Apple.com/ae website or use the Apple Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Process: On Friday, September 12 at 4:00 PM, the pre-order pages will go live. You can select your desired model, color, and storage capacity.
  • Pro-Tip: To save time, you can pre-configure your order and have it ready to go before the pre-order time. Make sure your payment information (a UAE-issued credit/debit card or Apple Pay) is up-to-date in your Apple account.
  • Financing: Apple offers 0% financing options through its partners for eligible customers, typically for up to 12-24 months.
• In-Store: Visit a physical Apple Store in the UAE for in-person pre-orders or to pick up your online order on September 19.
  • Locations: Apple Dubai Mall, Apple Mall of the Emirates, Apple Yas Mall, and Apple Al Maryah Island.
  • Trade-in: Bring your eligible old device (iPhone 8 Plus or newer) for an instant trade-in credit, which can save you anywhere from Dh150 to Dh2,500.

2. Through Major Telecom Carriers

For those looking to bundle their new iPhone with a postpaid plan, UAE’s top telecom providers are a great option.

• Etisalat & du: Both carriers will open their pre-order portals on their official websites, etisalat.ae and du.ae, respectively, on September 12.
  • Benefits: Pre-ordering through a carrier can often get you discounts of up to Dh1,000 off the device price with a 24-month contract.
  • eSIM-Only: Remember, all iPhone 17 models sold in the UAE are eSIM-only, so ensure your carrier plan supports it. Both Etisalat and du have seamless eSIM activation processes.

3. From Authorised Retailers

Electronics retailers across the UAE will also be accepting pre-orders, often with exclusive offers.

• Retailers: Dubai Duty Free, Sharaf DG, Jumbo Electronics, and iPoint are among the key retailers.
• Online & In-Store: Pre-orders will be available on their e-commerce sites and in their physical store locations starting September 12.
• Exclusive Bundles: Look out for special pre-order bundles that may include free accessories like cases or AirPods. Some retailers also offer same-day delivery post-launch.

iPhone 17 Series: UAE Pricing & Key Specifications

To help you decide which model is right for you, here is a detailed breakdown of the iPhone 17 series, including their starting prices in the UAE.

iPhone 17 Series Pricing (UAE Dirhams)

Model	Starting Price (Unlocked)
iPhone 17	Dh3,399
iPhone 17 Air	Dh4,299
iPhone 17 Pro	Dh4,699
iPhone 17 Pro Max	Dh5,099

All prices are for the base storage models. Prices for carrier bundles may differ.

Key Features and Specifications

The iPhone 17 series introduces significant upgrades, with a new iPhone 17 Air model and major enhancements across the board. The following table provides a clear overview of the key differences between each model.

Feature	iPhone 17	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone 17 Pro	iPhone 17 Pro Max
Display	6.3″ 120Hz OLED	6.5″ 120Hz OLED	6.3″ 120Hz OLED	6.9″ 120Hz OLED
Processor	A19 (5-core GPU)	A19 Pro (5-core GPU)	A19 Pro (6-core GPU)	A19 Pro (6-core GPU)
Storage	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Rear Cameras	48MP Main, 48MP Ultrawide	48MP Main	48MP Fusion, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP Telephoto (8x zoom)	48MP Fusion, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP Telephoto (8x zoom)
Front Camera	18MP	18MP	18MP	18MP
Material	Aluminum, Ceramic Shield 2	Titanium, Ceramic Shield 2	Aluminum, Ceramic Shield 2	Aluminum, Ceramic Shield 2
Cooling	Standard	Standard	Vapor Chamber	Vapor Chamber
Thickness	7.95 mm	5.64 mm	8.75 mm	8.75 mm
USB-C Speed	USB 2 (480 Mb/s)	USB 2 (480 Mb/s)	USB 3 (10 Gb/s)	USB 3 (10 Gb/s)

A Note on iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Cooling: Vapor Chamber Technology

One of the most notable under-the-hood upgrades for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is the implementation of a vapor chamber cooling system. This advanced technology is designed to dissipate heat more efficiently, ensuring sustained peak performance during demanding tasks like high-end gaming, 4K video recording, and running generative AI models from the new Apple Intelligence suite. This feature directly addresses previous concerns about thermal throttling, making the Pro models even more powerful.

The iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence Factor

The iPhone 17 series ships with the all-new iOS 26, a free software update that will be available to compatible devices starting Monday, September 15. The highlight of the new operating system is the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This suite of generative AI features is deeply integrated into the OS, promising a more personalized, intuitive, and secure experience for users.

Apple Intelligence is initially available in beta for supported languages, with more to come by the end of the year. While some features may vary by region, this marks a new era for iPhone usability, from on-device language processing to advanced image and text creation.

In Summary: Your iPhone 17 Pre-Order Checklist

• When: Pre-orders begin at 4:00 PM UAE time on Friday, September 12, 2025.
• Where: Choose from Apple’s official website or app, a physical Apple Store, a major telecom carrier (Etisalat, du), or an authorized retailer (Sharaf DG, Jumbo).
• What You Need: A valid UAE-issued credit/debit card, your UAE PASS for trade-ins, and your preferred storage and color options ready.
• Nationwide delivery with free shipping or in-store pickup on September 19.

With the new lineup offering everything from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air to the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro Max, there’s a model for every kind of user. Prepare your payment details, set a reminder for Friday afternoon, and get ready to experience the next generation of iPhone in the UAE.