With the launch of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, excitement across the UAE is at an all-time high — and Jumbo Electronics is right at the center of it. From soaring pre-orders to the instant popularity of the new Cosmic Orange finish, this year’s release has sparked record demand across the country. In this Q&A, Jumbo shares insights on what’s fueling the iPhone 17 craze — from model preferences and upgrade habits to color trends, accessories, and the evolving tech landscape in 2025.
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air
How has the demand for the new iPhone models compared to last year’s launch in terms of pre-orders and first-week sales?
The overall response to the new iPhone series has been very strong, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max emerging as the clear frontrunner in early sales. Customers are particularly drawn to the new Cosmic Orange colour, which has quickly become a favourite and is already seeing limited availability due to high demand.
Which iPhone model (Standard, Pro, or Pro Max, Air) is seeing the highest demand so far among your customers?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is leading demand among our customers, followed closely by the Pro model. Overall, all three variants are performing strongly, but the Pro Max clearly stands out as the most sought-after device this year.
Apple highlighted several new features this year — which of those features do you think resonates most with customers in the UAE?
The standout features for UAE customers are the upgraded camera system and the new design options, especially the Pro Max series. Battery improvements and the vibrant new colours are also getting a lot of attention.
Did you notice any changes in buying patterns, such as customers opting for higher storage tiers or specific colours?
Customers are choosing the brighter colours this year, especially the new Cosmic Orange. For storage, 256GB is the most preferred option.
Are customers more inclined this year toward trade-in and instalment plans, or do they still prefer outright purchases?
We are seeing strong upgrade momentum from iPhone 16 users who joined Jumbo’s Assured Buyback Program last year, as it gives them the best value when moving to the new iPhone 17. At the same time, many customers are also upgrading from older iPhones and even switching from Android. While outright purchases remain popular, trade-in and instalment options are driving more upgrades this year, especially for the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the new iPhone Air.
How important are accessories (like Apple Watch, AirPods, or MagSafe products) in driving sales alongside the new iPhones?
Accessories play a big role at the time of purchase. Most customers pick up essentials like screen protectors, cases, and chargers along with their new iPhone. We are also seeing good growth for the Apple Watch, as many buyers like to complete the ecosystem. For screen protection, we recommend ZAGG, a leading brand from our distribution portfolio, known worldwide for its innovation in mobile accessories and trusted by millions of users for durability and quality.
Has supply chain or stock availability been smoother this year compared to previous launches, especially with high-demand models?
Demand for the new iPhones has been exceptionally strong, especially for the Pro Max models and popular colours. While this naturally creates some pressure on availability, overall supply has been smoother this year, and we are working closely with Apple to ensure customers get their preferred models as quickly as possible.
With smartphones becoming more expensive, do you see customers holding on to devices longer, or is the iPhone still driving regular yearly upgrades?
The general trend is that customers upgrade their smartphones every three years. However, iPhone fans continue to upgrade more regularly, especially with programs like Jumbo’s Assured Buyback. Last year, many iPhone 16 users enrolled in the program, and we are now seeing them return to exchange their devices for the new iPhone 17. This has made upgrades more affordable and has encouraged a steady cycle of yearly upgrades for Apple loyalists.
Beyond the iPhone, what trends do you foresee shaping consumer electronics demand in the UAE this year?
Foldable smartphones are becoming more mainstream and widely accepted by customers in the UAE. We expect this trend to continue growing as more brands bring new models with better designs and features.
