Dubai
witnessed a significant surge in interest and bookings for the iPhone 15's Pro
range, as sales for Apple's latest smartphone officially commenced on September
22. Rajat Asthana, the Chief Operating Officer at Eros Group, noted that
pre-launch interest and bookings for the iPhone 15 surpassed those of its
predecessor, the iPhone 14. This boost in demand is a promising development for
tech retailers in the UAE, who are aiming to drive strong sales in the fourth
quarter of 2023 and end the year on a successful note.
One
key driver behind this heightened demand is the favorable pricing in the UAE
compared to other regions. The iPhone 15 Pro's prices in India, for example,
show a significant difference of Rs38,000, making the UAE a more attractive
market for potential buyers.
Bookings
for the iPhone 15 opened a week before the official sales launch, with the
added promise of immediate delivery, as the UAE was among the first global
launch markets. Multiple retailers have reported that the launch generated even
greater demand than initially anticipated.
The
price range for the iPhone 15 varies from Dh3,399 to Dh6,799, with the top-tier
Pro series featuring titanium construction. Additionally, all models have
transitioned to using USB-C ports, replacing Apple's proprietary Lightning
cable.
Retailers
have observed that interest in the iPhone 15 extends beyond Apple's dedicated
fan base, with many users of older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 13,
considering the iPhone 15 as a worthy upgrade. This broader user base is
expected to contribute significantly to the demand for the device in the final
months of 2023.
Retailers
and traders are better prepared this time to meet the heightened demand for the
iPhone 15, aiming to avoid the supply issues that plagued the iPhone 14's
availability in the last quarter of 2022. Apple has expanded its smartphone
manufacturing operations to India, which is expected to help maintain a steady
supply of iPhones to the UAE, in addition to the traditionally imported units
from China.