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.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Zayed Sustainability Prize
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Dunki
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Under-21 European Championship Final
Germany 1 Spain 0
Weiser (40')
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
The cost of Covid testing around the world
Egypt
Dh514 for citizens; Dh865 for tourists
Information can be found through VFS Global.
Jordan
Dh212
Centres include the Speciality Hospital, which now offers drive-through testing.
Cambodia
Dh478
Travel tests are managed by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health.
Zanzibar
AED 295
Zanzibar Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, located within the Lumumba Secondary School compound.
Abu Dhabi
Dh85
Abu Dhabi’s Seha has test centres throughout the UAE.
UK
From Dh400
Heathrow Airport now offers drive through and clinic-based testing, starting from Dh400 and up to Dh500 for the PCR test.
