By dubailife 
**iPhone 16 Launch Creates Buzz Across the UAE: Exclusive In-Store Experiences and New Rules**
It was a highly anticipated day for Apple fans in the UAE, as the much-awaited iPhone 16 lineup officially hit stores on Friday. From the bustling malls of Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s luxurious shopping centers, residents, tourists, and tech enthusiasts made their way to Apple stores, with some arriving as early as 5 a.m. to secure their spot as one of the first to purchase the latest iPhone.
The atmosphere at malls like Dubai Mall and Yas Mall was electrifying. However, this year saw more organized and controlled queues, thanks to new rules. Walk-ins were not permitted, and customers had to pre-book time slots through online reservations. This step helped maintain smooth crowd management, offering a more exclusive experience for buyers in Dubai’s premier shopping destinations.
In line with Apple’s new policy, customers were restricted to buying two iPhones per Apple ID, curbing the long-standing trend of bulk purchasing. However, some savvy buyers got creative, using multiple IDs to take home several devices. Despite the restrictions, excitement ran high, and Apple enthusiasts, including Dubai expats and visitors, were keen to get their hands on the latest tech innovation.
**Exclusive Experiences for Apple Fans at Dubai’s Iconic Malls**
Khaleej Times reporters were on the ground at key locations like Dubai Mall and Yas Mall, interacting with residents and tourists alike. Families made the experience part of their weekend outings, while some tourists traveled to Dubai specifically to attend the iPhone launch, underscoring the city’s global appeal as a tech and retail hub.
**12:27 PM: A Global Launch with a Dubai Twist**
As the iPhone 16 was released worldwide, Dubai stood out for its seamless retail experience. Online reservations were made well in advance, and customers queued patiently, celebrating as they finally held the cutting-edge device. The buzz in stores like Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira was palpable, with die-hard fans walking out with smiles and new iPhones in hand.
**12:11 PM: Trade-in Offers for Dubai Residents**
For many in Dubai, upgrading to the iPhone 16 was made easier by Apple’s trade-in offers. Residents could exchange older devices, whether Android or Apple, and receive a bonus of AED 100 on certain models when trading in for the new iPhone. Authorised retailers across Dubai’s various malls also offered attractive buy-back programs, allowing customers to recover up to 80% of their old iPhone’s value—making the transition to the latest model a smooth financial decision.
**11:53 AM: iPhone 16 or Apple Watch?**
In addition to the new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple also unveiled a range of other products in its UAE stores on September 20. Among these, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro were clear fan favorites, with many customers opting for multiple purchases. Dubai’s tech enthusiasts were particularly keen on the AI features, which are expected to roll out in October via software updates for iOS 18 users, including those with the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro.
**11:10 AM: No More Apple Stickers?**
As excited customers across Dubai unboxed their new iPhone 16s, many noticed the absence of Apple’s iconic logo stickers in the packaging. This change is part of Apple’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. While the stickers will still be available upon request in-store, home delivery orders will no longer include them—another sign of Apple’s shift towards eco-friendly practices. Dubai’s sustainability-conscious consumers are likely to appreciate this step as they embrace new technologies while being mindful of environmental impact.
**10:57 AM: First Buyers at Yas Mall and Dubai Mall**
At Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, Manan Ansari, an Indian expat, became one of the first customers to walk out with the iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB). Over in Dubai Mall, Apple fans shared similar excitement as they collected their pre-ordered devices, with the mall’s luxury shopping experience further enhancing the significance of the day.
**6:45 AM: Early Birds at Dubai Mall and Exclusive Access**
Only a select few were allowed to enter early at Dubai Mall, with tight security measures in place. Khaleej Times reporters observed that, along with the iPhone 16 frenzy, Dubai Mall was buzzing with excitement in other areas, including its ice hockey rink, where a few lucky visitors gained access to exclusive activities as the world’s largest mall prepared for the day’s rush.
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Source : Khaleejtimes