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.
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at the Gabba
Australia 312-1
Warner 151 not out, Burns 97, Labuschagne 55 not out
Pakistan 240
Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52
SHAITTAN
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SPECS
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Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
RECORD%20BREAKER
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Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press
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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
Results
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MATCH INFO
Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 4
Osasuna: García (14')
Real Madrid: Isco (33'), Ramos (38'), Vázquez (84'), Jovic (90' 2)
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
DSC Eagles 23 Dubai Hurricanes 36
Eagles
Tries: Bright, O’Driscoll
Cons: Carey 2
Pens: Carey 3
Hurricanes
Tries: Knight 2, Lewis, Finck, Powell, Perry
Cons: Powell 3
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory