iPhone 16 in UAE: Dozens of Tourists Who Flew in for launch ‘Disappointed’ By New Rules this Year
Crowd control measures have been set up at Apple stores, as staff say walk-ins will not be entertained this year
The new iPhone 16 lineup, as well as all the newly unveiled Apple products go on sale tomorrow, September 20, across all UAE stores.
However, this year, people who usually line up from the night before seemed to be confused on the eve of the highly-anticipated launch with the new arrangement, as many gathered around the store, denied to form up a queue.
The new iPhone 16 lineup, as well as all the newly unveiled Apple products go on sale tomorrow, September 20, across all UAE stores.
However, this year, people who usually line up from the night before seemed to be confused on the eve of the highly-anticipated launch with the new arrangement, as many gathered around the store, denied to form up a queue.
This year, strict crowd control measures seemed to be in place as there was little to no crowd seen outside and around the Apple store in Dubai Mall. Barricades have been put in place with security personnel actively dispersing groups and directing them away from the store unless consumers want products that are already in store.
With security measures and staff present at the entrance of the store, only those who need assistance with the existing products are being granted entry into the store. Others who seem to be enquiring about the Apple iPhone 16 are duly informed by the staff about tomorrow’s release.
Unlike last year, walk-ins will not be entertained at Apple stores across the UAE. Those who reserved their iPhones online on September 13, have been allotted a specific time at which they have to be present at their store of choice for the pickup.
Queues will, however, still be in place as customers will also be entering the stores to get their hands on products other than iPhones, which don’t require reservations.
Queues will, however, still be in place as customers will also be entering the stores to get their hands on products other than iPhones, which don’t require reservations.
Rafeez has reserved four iPhone 16’s this year, one of which he will pick up from the Mall of the Emirates store at 9am and the remaining three for his family members from the Dubai Mall store at 12pm.
“It’s tradition for me to buy the new iPhones on launch day,” he said.
Consumers can reserve only two iPhones per Apple ID, so Rafeez, who has two Apple IDs, was able to reserve four for himself on September 13.
The iPhone 16 starts at Dh3,399, while the iPhone 16 Plus is priced at Dh3,799 for its base model. Both models come with a new camera control button and the innovative Action button for quick access to various functions.
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at Dh4,299, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at Dh5,099 for its base model in the UAE.
Source: Wam.ae
