Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup will be available in the UAE starting on September 19. APPLE/EXPAT MEDIA

Apple fans in the UAE won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the company’s newest smartphones. The iPhone 17 lineup, including the all-new iPhone Air, will officially hit UAE stores on September 19, with pre-orders opening on September 12. The iPhone Air — marketed as the thinnest iPhone ever — represents Apple’s biggest design change in nearly a decade. The 1TB model will retail in the UAE for Dh5,999, while the base iPhone Air starts at $1,000. The standard iPhone 17 will start at around $800 (Dh2,940), with the Pro and Pro Max models priced at $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.

What’s new?

The highlight of the launch is the iPhone Air, which Apple says is not only thinner but also its most power-efficient iPhone to date. Among its standout features: Simultaneous dual-camera recording, allowing users to capture video with both the front and back cameras at once. Revamped front camera across all iPhone 17 models, offering a wider field of view and new sensor for better selfies, including landscape shots without rotating the phone. Improved telephoto lens on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. All-day battery life, although some tech experts remain cautious about real-world performance. All four new models are powered by Apple’s A19 chip, designed to support more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) functions. Apple’s new phones will ship with iOS 26, which brings incremental AI-driven features. These include live translations, screenshot analysis, and a new “Center Stage” mode for front-facing cameras. However, Apple has postponed its much-anticipated Siri overhaul until next year, a delay that analysts say reflects the company’s ongoing struggle to keep pace with rivals in the AI space. Apple also announced updates to its accessories lineup, including the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3, which will launch alongside the new iPhones. PGD/Expat Media
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