Apple is preparing to unveil one of its most transformative updates in the history of the iPhone in 2026. Here’s what that means for fans in the UAE
Every September, excitement around Apple’s next iPhone drop sweeps the world, with fans desperate to get their hands on the latest model.
But for the launch of the iPhone 18, Apple are shaking things up and per Gulf Business, planning some of the biggest updates in the history of the iPhone with a multi-year overhaul that will introduce new features, adjust launch schedules and expand the premium lineup.
The iPhone 18 launch
Fans can still expect an iPhone 18 launch this Autumn, but a date has not yet been given. Reports suggest that the first iPhone 18 phones will be released in September as usual, and as the UAE release happens in tandem with the global release, the iPhone 18 UAE launch could still be in September.
However, first up, Apple plans to unveil only the three high-end models: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a first-of-its-kind foldable iPhone.
It’s then expected that around 6 months later, the regular iPhone 18 and a more affordable iPhone 18e will be released.
A refreshed iPhone Air is also potentially set to launch in 2027.
How much will the iPhone 18 be in the UAE?
Prices for the new models haven’t been released, but when the iPhone 17 was released in the UAE in September 2025, the prices were:
- iPhone: From Dh3,399
- iPhone Air: From Dh4,299
- iPhone Pro: From Dh4,699
- iPhone Pro Max: From Dh5,099
What’s new with the iPhone 18?
At this stage, Apple hasn’t confirmed much, but there are plenty of reports of significant upgrades coming to the iPhone 18.
Design-wise, Macrumors suggests the iPhone 18 will largely be similar to the iPhone 17, although the pro max device is thought to be Apple’s heaviest iPhone yet.
New colours Apple are thought to be considering include coffee and burgundy, while under-screen Face ID is another element that may be introduced, although full details still remain unclear.
What to expect from the foldable iPhone
Of course, the biggest launch would be the first-ever foldable iPhone, which has been dubbed the ‘iPhone fold.’ Per macrumours, it will open up book style, meaning it would have a smaller outer display and a wider open display, similar to the Pixel Fold or the Galaxy Fold. it’s thought that it will have both a rear and front camera, with the front camera suggested to be an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera. Other rumoured features include Apple’s longest-ever battery life, touch ID rather than face ID, and no visible crease.
Stay tuned…
Lead image: iPhone 17/ Apple
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