The new iPhones are now available for pre-order in the UAE.
Well, two of the four models are. You can now order the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro through the Apple website ahead of their official release on Friday, October 23.
Telecom operator Etisalat is also accepting pre-orders for the two iPhone models. The iPhone 12 – which sports a new A14 Bionic chip and a 6.1inch Oled display – starts at Dh3,399 for a 64GB model. Whereas the similarly-sized iPhone 12 Pro, which is also run by the speedy A14 but has stainless-steel sides and a third camera (a telephoto lens), starts at Dh4,199 for a 128GB model.
Electronics shops, such as Axiom Telecom and Emax Electronics, are also accepting pre-orders and pre-registrations. You could also try your luck by visiting electronics shops or even the Apple store in person after Friday, but the chances of snagging a new iPhone that way are quite slim.
Though the iPhones are slated to be released later this week, don’t expect to get your hands on one until next month. That’s if you order right now. Delivery times are also largely dependent on what colour and storage size you choose. As of writing, ordering a 128GB iPhone 12 Pro in gold shows a delivery estimate between November 10 and 17, while a 64GB iPhone 12 in blue shows a delivery estimate between October 28 and November 3.
The new iPhones are at once a call-back to past models and a leap forward.
Their angular sides are reminiscent of the iPhone 4, 5 and 5s. The camera housing at the back is identical to current models. And so is the screen, except it now sports thinner bezels, which give its Super Retina display more real estate.
But there are also a host of new features in this year’s iteration, which was unveiled during an online event last week. For one thing there are now four models spread out across its standard and pro lines, including a larger-than-ever ‘Pro Max’, which has a 6.7-inch screen and a new ‘mini’ version that sports a 5.4-inch screen, making it perfect for those who have been pining for the older, more compact versions of the iPhone.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, which starts at Dh4,699, and the iPhone 12 Mini, which starts at Dh2,999, will be available to pre-order on Friday, November 6.
Another noticeable difference is that the phones are now 5G-capable. According to the Apple website, this means users "can download movies on the fly. Stream higher-quality video. Or update apps or iOS over cellular. And you can do it in more places, because iPhone 12 has the broadest 5G coverage worldwide.”
The new iPhone also has a new MagSafe feature, which Apple says will improve wireless charging functionality and introduce a new accessories ecosystem for the beloved smartphone.
