UAE iPhone XS launch: queues expected to build at Dubai Mall ahead of Friday release

Queues are expected to form outside Apple stores across the UAE this evening before the latest Apple product launch on Friday.

The Apple store in Dubai Mall will open its doors at 7.30am as two updated versions of the iPhone X — the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max — and the Apple Watch Series 4 go on sale.

In previous years, hundreds of Apple fans have turned out before the stores' opening to be among the first to get their hands on the latest phones, but analysts are not anticipating the same frenzy this time around.

“I don’t think it’s going to generate as much excitement as last year’s iPhone X because that was a totally new design for iPhone,” said Abbas Ali, managing editor of TechRadar Middle East.

“This time around it’s more or less a hardware refresh.”

Mr Ali expects the crowd to consist of hardcore Apple fans and shoppers looking for a larger phone, as opposed to people who are seeking to upgrade their current iPhone X.

“I think it’s either going to be people who upgrade on a yearly basis or people who want bigger phones,” he said.

A demonstration of the newly released Apple products is seen following the product launch event. Reuters

“I don’t think anyone who bought an iPhone X, generally speaking, is going to be upgrading, aside from the few fanatics that like to upgrade every year. But in general, if you have an iPhone X I don’t think you are going to be upgrading to the iPhone XS.”

The iPhone XS is an advanced version of the iPhone X released last year. At 5.8 inches, it is the same size but comes with a dual sim, better battery life, a faster processor and an upgraded camera. It will also come in gold and cost Dh4,229, the same price as the original iPhone X.

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[ Apple iPhone XS and XS Max launch: Will UAE customers upgrade as initial prices and pre-order details are revealed? ]

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With a 6.5 inch screen, one inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus, the iPhone XS Max will be the biggest handset Apple has produced yet. It will cost slightly more than the iPhone XS at Dh4,649.

The display of the Apple Watch Series 4 is around 30 per cent bigger than current models and includes more health features, say analysts.

Philip Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing for Apple, speaks about the new iPhone XR. Reuters

“I personally feel that the lines will be longer for the iPhone XS Max, the larger one, because that is the new one they have announced for this year,” said Mr Ali.

“They are identical except for the size.”

The iPhone XR, a low-cost version of the iPhone X, costing Dh3,179 with a 6.1-inch screen, will go on sale on October 26. It is expected to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel and is expected to generate more excitement than tomorrow’s launches, say analysts.