Apple has launched its latest iPhone and loyal customers have begun to figure out how to get their hands on their new devices, with the new series going on sale to the general public on Friday.
The iPhone 15 line-up was announced on September 14 at the company's Wonderlust event, with the biggest shift being the transition to using USB-C ports.
Here is a handy guide on the iPhone 15's availability for Apple users in the UAE – and even for those who may want to make the switch.
Which iPhone models were launched?
As expected, four new devices have been introduced by Apple – the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. They are in line with last year's iPhone 14 line-up, which did away with the Mini version from the previous two generations.
They also inherit the same screen sizes – 6.1 inches for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, and 6.7 inches for the iPhone 15 Plus and Pro Max.
How much do the new iPhones cost?
Apple has decided to keep the their prices in line with those of predecessors.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in 128 gigabyte, 256GB and 512GB versions that cost Dh3,399, Dh3,799 and Dh4,649 ($925, $1,035 and $1,265), respectively, for the former and Dh3,799, Dh4,199 and Dh5,049, respectively, for the latter.
Meanwhile, iPhone 15 Pro prices are Dh4,299 for the 128GB model, Dh4,699 for the 256GB model, Dh5,549 for the 512GB model and Dh6,399 for the one-terabyte model.
Things change with the iPhone 15 Pro Max – it no longer has a 128GB variant, so it now starts at Dh5,099 for 256GB, with the 512GB and 1TB models priced at Dh5,949 and Dh6,799, respectively.
The iPhone accounts for about 50 per cent of Apple’s sales, and the company is counting on the new model to help reverse a recent sales slide.
What are the colours to choose from?
For the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, you can choose from black, blue, green, pink and yellow. For the Pro models, the options available are black titanium, blue titanium, natural titanium and white titanium.
The Pro models have a sleek metallic finish. To recap, Apple replaced the stainless steel chassis on the Pros with titanium, which is lighter but sturdier.
Which iPhones are on sale?
Tradition has held up – the new iPhones went on sale to the general public on Friday, September 22. Orders started on September 15.
If you intend to head to an Apple Store on the first day of sales, you have to plan early as iPhone launches are known to have queues of customers who can wait a full day before sales start.
Otherwise, you can go to any other major retailer. If you are not in real rush to buy a new iPhone, waiting for a few days to let the excitement simmer down is not a bad idea, either.
And as always, you can opt for an online purchase, whether through Apple's official Store app or any other major retailer.
Are there payment options?
Apart from purchasing your iPhone at full price, Apple has a couple of options for buyers.
The first is through zero per cent instalments, which can be made in co-ordination with your bank. Apple's partner banks in the UAE include First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq and Citi, according to its website.
Now, if you have Apple products stowed away, you can trade them in and get cash credits, which can amount up to Dh2,385. This is a popular option for several Apple users, one which helps the company to recycle its products responsibly.
Is the iPhone 14 still available?
Yes, and now at lower prices. The iPhone 14 now starts at Dh2,999 and the iPhone 14 Plus at Dh3,399. However, the Pro models are no longer available – at least on Apple's website. Other retailers still have them on sale, also at discounted prices.
As in recent years, Apple has usually discontinued its top-end iPhones once the new models have been announced. However, it has kept entry-level devices on sale, which is a actually good move as it gives consumers more options for cheaper iPhones.
Apart from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, Apple is still selling the iPhone 13 (from Dh2,599) and the third-generation iPhone SE (from Dh1,849).
What about the new Watches and AirPods Pro?
Orders have opened and the devices are also available now, as well.
Apple's Watch Series 9 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and two finishes – aluminium and stainless steel.
For the aluminium 41mm version, prices are at Dh1,599 for the GPS model and Dh1,999 for cellular; for the 45mm model, prices are at Dh1,719 and Dh2,119, respectively.
Meanwhile, the stainless steel version only has the cellular variant and is priced at Dh2,799 for the 41mm model and Dh2,999 for the 45mm model. Bear in mind that these prices will go up if you opt for a pricier band or loop.
The Watch Ultra 2 only comes in one version – 49mm, priced at Dh3,199.
The second-generation AirPods Pro 2 is priced at Dh949. It also comes with a USB-C port and is now compatible with MagSafe wireless charging.
The%20specs
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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3%20Body%20Problem
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HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
RACECARD
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Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (Turf) 1,400m. Winner: Al Ajeeb W’Rsan, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Jaci Wickham (trainer).
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m racing. Winner: Mujeeb, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Onward, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Prep Rated Conditions (PA) Dh 125,000 (T) 2,200m. Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (T) 1,600m. Winner: AF Arrab, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 90,000 (T) 1,400m. Winner: Irish Freedom, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
