Apple unveiled its new range of iPhones and other new technology such as iPads at its recent California Streaming event.
But for consumers who are eager to get their hands on a shiny new smartphone, there is always that frustrating wait between the Apple announcement and the actual devices hitting the shops.
What are the new iPhone 13 models?
The new iPhone models include the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook said they were “the best iPhones we have ever created".
While the iPhone 13 models have plenty of technical improvements, there was no major innovation if you compare them with Samsung's recently launched folding phones.
However, the new iPhones are powered by a new chip designed by Apple – the A15 bionic. The company says it is the fastest in the smartphone industry and makes the iPhone 13s up to 50 per cent faster than other brands.
Other improvements include better battery life, a ceramic shield to make it more damage-resistant and an upgraded camera system.
When is the iPhone 13 available in the UAE?
Bookings are currently open and the devices will be available from Friday, September 24.
They can be reserved and collected from the three Apple stores in the Emirates – Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Other UAE retailers are also offering pre-orders, as are telecom operators Etisalat and du.
How much does the iPhone 13 cost?
iPhone 13 mini - from Dh2,999
iPhone 13 - from Dh3,399
iPhone 13 Pro - from Dh4,199
iPhone Pro Max - from Dh4,699
Apple is offering its usual trade-in deal for customers who wish to hand in an iPhone 8 or newer with Dh300 to Dh2,535 offered in exchange.
Du customers can get the iPhone mini for Dh125 a month plus VAT, while the regular iPhone 13 will set you back Dh142 a month on a 24-month contract. For those who like the best phone they can get, the iPhone Pro Max starts at Dh197 plus VAT per month.
With Etisalat, the iPhone 13 is available for Dh155 a month (including VAT) on a 24-month contract, while a 12-month deal will set customers back Dh300 a month. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is Dh215 a month over 24 months.
What about the Apple Watch Series 7?
Apple also unveiled the latest in its watch segment, but buyers seeking the new device will have to wait a little longer.
A date has not yet been set, but Apple has said it will be available “later this fall".
The new device offers a bigger screen, comes in new colours, has an always-on display and is crack resistant with 50 per cent thicker front crystal.
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Apple iPhone through the ages - from 2007 to 2021
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The iPhone through the ages: Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduces the iPhone to the world in San Francisco, California, on January 9, 2007. It had a 3.5-inch screen and 2MP camera. Reuters -
The iPhone 3G was launched in 2008 with a faster 3G connection. It also added location services. Reuters -
The iPhone 3GS was released on June 19, 2009. It was twice as fast as its previous version. AFP -
The iPhone 4 was released on June 24, 2010. It featured FaceTime for the first occasion as well as a retina screen. Reuters -
A later release, this time on October 14, 2011, the iPhone 4S had a new dual-core processor. Reuters -
Apple CEO Tim Cook takes to the stage following the reveal of the iPhone 5 in San Francisco, California, on September 12, 2012. This was the first 4-inch screen and the phone was faster and slimmer. Reuters -
The iPhone 5C arrived on September 20, 2013 and was less expensive and very similar to the iPhone 5 except it came with colourful casing. Getty Images -
The iPhone 5s came at the same time as the 5C and introduced touch ID and a motion data processor as health and fitness apps started to come to the fore. Getty Images -
The iPhone 6 marked another double launch when unveiled on September 9, 2014. The 6 had a 4.7-inch screen, faster processor and improved camera. AFP -
The iPhone 6 Plus had a 5.5-inch screen and was $100 more expensive. Reuters -
The iPhone 6s came on September 25, 2015 with 3D touch and a camera that could shoot 4K video. EPA -
The iPhone 6s Plus is displayed at Tokyo's flagship store on September 25, 2015. Both new phones came in a new colour - rose gold. AFP -
Unveiled on March 21, 2016, the iPhone SE had the same design as the iPhone 5 and saw a return to the 4-inch screen which was preferred by some users. It was more affordable and hence lacked features such as Touch ID. AFP -
The iPhone 7 announced on September 7, 2016, said somewhat controversially goodbye to the audio jack. Reuters -
The iPhone 7 Plus had a dual camera added. AFP -
The iPhone 8 was released on September 22, 2017 and had a new glass and aluminium design, retina HD screen. Reuters -
A customer gets his hands on an iPhone 8 Plus on launch day in Tokyo on September 22, 2017. The launches also saw speakers that were 25% louder and the most powerful and smartest chip in a smartphone (according to Apple). AFP -
The iPhone X marked a decade of iPhones on September 12, 2017. It's main changes were an edge-to-edge super retina screen. Touch ID was removed with Face ID introduced. Reuters -
The iPhone XS was released on September 21, 2018 and had a Super Retina OLED screen with improved scratch and water resistance. Face ID was faster. Reuters -
The iPhone XS Max had the largest iPhone screen to date at 6.5 inches. It could handle 3 million pixels. Reuters -
The iPhone XR was slightly cheaper than the XS and came with a 6.1-inch screen. AFP -
A customer looks at the iPhone 11 at an Apple store in Dubai Mall on September 20, 2019. EPA -
A man tries out the iPhone 11 Pro in Cupertino, California, on September 10, 2019. AFP -
Midnight Green was introduced for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, while there was also a new three-camera system. Reuters -
Arriving on April 15, 2020, the iPhone SE was for budget-minded customers and was pretty much a replica of the iPhone 8. Its 4.7-inch screen felt rather on the small side compared to the big screens of its big brothers. Apple Inc. / AFP -
The iPhone 12 on October 13, 2020 introduced a new processor and a screen that offered four times better protection if dropped. Apple / AFP -
The iPhone 12 mini offered a 5.4-inch screen. Getty Images -
Mr Cook showcases the iPhone 12 Pro during an event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on October 13, 2020. This upgrade saw a faster chip, 5G speed, a "camera system that’s killer in low light. A LiDAR Scanner for more realistic AR. And two great sizes to choose from — including our largest display ever". Apple / EPA -
The iPhone 12 Pro Max was categorised as a 'legacy phone'. Reuters -
The new iPhone 13 was unveiled on September 14, 2021. It has a smart data mode which helps battery life, more 5G bands and antenna lines that use material made from recycled plastic water bottles. AFP -
Apple CEO Tim Cook showcasing the third generation iPhone SE featuring 5G and the A15 Bionic chip on March 8, 2022. EPA -
The Apple iPhone 14, 14 Plus, Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro were unveiled during an event on September 7, 2022. It didn’t raise its US prices during one of the worst years for inflation in decades. The biggest addition was emergency calling after a car crash. Bloomberg
