The launch of the newest iPhone model on September 22 was followed by hours of queues in various malls across the UAE from Apple fans eager to get their hands on it. Just a few days after launch, these coveted iPhones are being resold on classified platforms for twice what they were originally sold for.
The iPhone 15 has been experiencing an overwhelming surge in demand, with numerous buyers purchasing more than ten devices. Nearly Dh200,000 worth of Apple devices were purchased at Dubai outlets by Apple fans.
The iPhone 15 and its Pro and Pro Max variants were launched in the UAE at an initial price of Dh3,399 and going up to Dh6,799.
The iPhone 15 has been listed on the classified website Dubizzle by many buyers hoping to make a quick profit. This trend is not new, as previous iPhone models have swiftly made their way to online platforms for resale shortly after their launch. Individuals have consistently seized the opportunity to capitalise on the high demand for these devices.
In the online classifieds on Monday, the high-end variants Pro and Pro Max were heavily advertised. Some sellers have also listed handsets imported from other markets to sell locally.
This seller imported the iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB from Hong Kong for Dh9,980, which is selling for Dh6,799 at Apple outlet.
In the secondary market, iPhones intended for the UAE market are more expensive than those imported from other countries, such as China, Japan, Hong Kong, etc. Consequently, when purchasing from the secondary market - at stores or online - it is important to determine which markets the handsets were designed for.
On Monday, Pro Max 256GB, which is sold for Dh5,099 at Apple stores, was sold on Dubizzle for over 40 percent more. Multiple sellers have listed it, ranging from Dh5,300 to Dh7,200. Similarly, the Pro Max 512GB is being sold for Dh7,000 on the classified website against Dh5,949 on the Apple store
While the Pro 256GB, priced at Dh4,699, is being resold for Dh5,960, 27 per cent higher than its original price. Also, the Pro 512GB is available for resale at Dh6,000 as buyers take advantage of the shortage.