Nearly two weeks after Apple unveiled its latest iPhone 16 line-up, they're finally ready to roll out, with the usual expected throng of customers waiting outside Apple Stores in the UAE.
The tech giant introduced the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max at It's Glowtime event in Cupertino, California, on September 9, then began accepting orders on September 13.
So far, the new devices are perform well, as The National found out in its review – though Apple Intelligence, the devices' biggest magnet, won't be available until next month.
Apple also maintained its pricing despite adding innovations – a strategy it has used in recent years as it seeks to keep its customer base and lure new users.
Which countries is the iPhone 16 available in?
The UAE is again one of the first countries where the new devices has been made available.
Fifty-eight countries are on the list, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the US.
iPhone 16 price in the UAE
The base 6.1-inch iPhone 16 is Dh3,399, Dh3,799 and Dh4,649 for the 128GB, 256GB and 512GB models, respectively, while the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus is Dh3,799, Dh4,199 and Dh5,049.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro will be Dh4,299, Dh4,699, Dh5,549 and Dh6,399 for the 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB variants, respectively.
The top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max is Dh5,099, Dh5,949 and Dh6,799 for the last three storage options (Apple removed the 128GB version last year).
If you weren't able to wake up early and join the queues today, don't feel the need to physically get one, or aren't in a rush to get a new iPhone, you can still do it online.
Apple, other major UAE retailers, and telecom companies e& and du are accepting online orders, but you'll have to wait for up to six weeks, depending on where you order. Apple's online store currently offers the quickest delivery time of three weeks.
iPhone 16 features
Here's how the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus compare to its predecessors:
And here's how the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max stack up against last year's counterparts:
A number of key points here: the availability of the Action button across all devices (it was exclusive to the Pro models last year), the addition of the Camera Control button and the boost in photography features on all models, especially on the Pros. There's also a notable bump in battery life.
Apple Watch models and price
In its accessories segment, the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, which it said is its thinnest and lightest to date.
The new device was launched on the 10th anniversary of the original Watch's unveiling in 2014.
The 42mm aluminium version of Watch Series 10 is Dh1,599 for the GPS model and Dh1,999 for GPS and mobile. Its 46mm alternative is Dh1,719 and Dh2,119, respectively.
Meanwhile, its titanium version comes only in a GPS-and-mobile configuration. Its 42mm model comes with a sport band for Dh2,799, while the option with the Milanese loop is Dh2,999.
The 46mm titanium version is Dh2,999 and Dh3,199, respectively.
Apple also announced a minor update to its Watch Ultra 2 – it now comes in a satin-black finish for Dh3,199 for the model with the trail loop or ocean band, while the option with the titanium Milanese loop is Dh3,599.
New AirPods
Apple also introduced the AirPods 4, which comes in two variants: a base model at Dh549 and a new version with active noise cancelling at Dh749. It now also uses a USB-C port.
The AirPods Pro 2 were updated with new features, most notably one that acts as a hearing aid, for Dh949.
The high-end AirPods Max, on the other hand, now has new colours and a USB-C port, for Dh2,099.
The new Watches and AirPods are available for orders and will also go on sale on September 20.
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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
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Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.
The trip
The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.
The hotel
There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
