1 views
Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro, powered by the new A20 Pro chipset, is set to launch on September 18, 2026, following pre-orders beginning September 12, 2026. However, prospective buyers in India may want to consider a trip to the UAE, as prices are expected to be considerably lower.
Price Discrepancy
The iPhone 18 Pro will start at Rs 1,64,900 in India for the base 256GB model. In contrast, the same model will be available in the UAE for DH 5,099, which translates to approximately Rs 1,32,100 based on the current exchange rate of Rs 25.90 per dirham. This represents a direct saving of Rs 32,800 for Indian consumers.
The price difference extends to other storage configurations. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be priced at DH 5,499 in the UAE, equivalent to Rs 1,42,500, a saving of Rs 37,400 compared to the Indian price of Rs 1,79,900 for the base model.
Trade-In Benefits
Further discounts are available in the UAE through trade-in programs. Customers trading in iPhones after the iPhone 13 can receive credit ranging from DH 640 to DH 3,260 (Rs 16,600 to Rs 84,500). Combining this with the base price difference, buyers could potentially save up to Rs 1,00,000 on their new iPhone 18 Pro.
Battery and SIM Differences
The iPhone 18 Pro models sold in the UAE will be eSIM-only, foregoing a physical SIM tray. This design choice allows for a larger 4,288mAh battery. The Indian variant, supporting both physical SIM and eSIM, will have a slightly smaller 4,056mAh battery. The iPhone 17 Pro featured the A19 Pro chipset.
Availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro begin in the UAE on September 12, 2026, with sales commencing on September 18, 2026. In India, pre-orders have already begun. The phone can be purchased in the UAE from official Apple Stores in locations such as the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, as well as authorized retailers like iStyle UAE, Jumbo, Emax, and Sharaf DG.
