Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is commanding its prices well above its official launch date in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after a week of its release. Moreover, tech lovers are paying Dh500 to Dh1000 extra to secure the newest model. However, older iPhones are seeing significant price drops across retail stores and the second-hand market.
Older Models Lose Value Overnight
Retailers in Dubai revealed that iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max prices have dipped faster than expected. Below are the pricing details related to this drop:
- A new iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) now sells for around Dh4,300. However, the used models go for Dh3,600 — a Dh300 drop compared to just before the iPhone 17 launch.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) has fallen further, with new units priced at Dh3,800 and used models at Dh3,000 — each seeing a Dh500 decline within two weeks.
Retailers said this price drop was unusual. A retailer said, “Usually, older iPhone models depreciate slowly. This time, the price drop was overnight because of the unexpected design and feature upgrades in the iPhone 17.”
Why Buyers Pay More for iPhone 17 Pro Max
Despite the higher cost, the demand for iPhone 17 Pro Max is increasing. A retailer said, “People don’t want to wait. Even though the supply is limited, buyers are paying extra to get the device first. It is about showing they own the latest model.”Local dealers are cashing in on this urgency as customers trust their neighbourhood shops for instant access, even at the premium prices.
Trade-Ins Fuel Used Market Decline
The rising number of trade-ins is another trend transforming the smartphone market in the UAE. Moreover, customers are selling older iPhones to cover parts of the iPhone 17 upgrade cost. Hence, it is creating an oversupply of used phones.
A retailer said, “Many buyers are trading their old iPhone 15 or 16, which has pushed second-hand prices lower than usual.”
Outlook for the UAE iPhone Market
Retailers predict that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is going to continue selling at a premium until the official supplies stabilize. On the other hand, older models are expected to lose more resale value as trade-ins increase and buyers chase the most recent release. In short, this trend will continue for the upcoming days.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max UAE price has become one of the most discussed topics in the region’s tech market. While Apple has always maintained a strong brand presence in the Emirates, this year’s demand is exceptional. Customers are treating the iPhone 17 Pro Max not just as a smartphone, but as a status symbol. Owning the latest device before it officially becomes widely available is driving people to pay Dh500 to Dh1000 above retail price at neighborhood stores.
Industry analysts note that the iPhone 17 Pro Max in UAE has disrupted the usual pricing cycle. Traditionally, new models enter the market at the Apple Store price and then stabilize after a few weeks. However, limited stocks combined with exclusive design updates and performance upgrades have convinced buyers that the premium is worth paying.
At the same time, older models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are losing resale value much faster than previous years. The oversupply caused by trade-ins has resulted in a sharp drop in the used market, making it difficult for sellers to get the prices they expected.
For readers who want to explore more about smartphone launches, trends, and tech updates, check out UAE Centre — a trusted source for the latest technology and market insights.
Experts predict that the iPhone 17 Pro Max UAE price trend will continue until Apple boosts its official supply channels. Until then, local resellers and small dealers will dominate the market, offering instant availability at premium rates while older iPhones continue to depreciate.
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