(Credit - Khaleej Times)
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: How Much More in the UAE?
The iPhone 18 Pro costs about Dh400 more than last year’s iPhone 17 Pro in the UAE: Dh5,099 against Dh4,699 for the 256GB model. The Pro Max rose by the same amount, from Dh5,099 to Dh5,499. The rise is smaller than many pre-launch forecasts, which had pointed to well over Dh5,900 for the Pro Max.
Launch prices compared with last year
| 256GB model | Last year (UAE) | 2026 launch (UAE) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Pro | Dh4,699 (iPhone 17 Pro) | Dh5,099 (iPhone 18 Pro) | +Dh400 |
| iPhone Pro Max | Dh5,099 (iPhone 17 Pro Max) | Dh5,499 (iPhone 18 Pro Max) | +Dh400 |
In the United States the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299, each $100 above last year’s starting prices.
Forecast versus reality
Before the 9 September launch, forecasts for the UAE ranged from about Dh5,950 to Dh6,350 for the Pro Max, and some analysts expected a US starting price near $1,399 for the Pro. Apple’s actual prices came in lower. Apple’s Tim Cook had said price increases were unavoidable, and a market research firm estimated the iPhone 18 Pro’s parts cost nearly 40% more than last year’s model. Apple still held the UAE rise to Dh400.
Paying monthly
Etisalat and du rolled out monthly payment plans at launch, with the iPhone 18 Pro reported from about Dh225 a month. Plan terms vary, so compare the total cost over the contract with the Dh5,099 upfront price. See our iPhone 18 Pro payment plans page.
Where to find the full price list
Storage tiers, colours, where to buy and the walk-in rules are in our iPhone 18 Pro UAE price guide. Release dates for the Pro models and the iPhone Duo are in our iPhone 18 UAE release date guide.
What to do next
- Decide whether the Dh400 step up from last year’s model is worth it for you.
- Compare a payment plan against the upfront price.
- Check the Apple UAE store for current stock and prices.
