Buyers in the UAE who want to get their hands on Apple’s first foldable iPhone may have to wait until next year, as estimated delivery times are extending by up to three months after the official launch date, according to information published on the official Apple website for the UAE, which has set the delivery time for new reservations for January 2027 amid a large number of pre-orders.

Apple’s online store in the UAE showed an estimated delivery date of 22 January 2027 when trying to order the iPhone Duo, with the possibility that this may vary depending on the model, storage capacity and availability. This does not necessarily mean that all buyers will face the same delay.

Apple started taking pre-orders for the phone on Friday October 16, with official market availability set to begin on October 23. But delivery times were extended into next year shortly after reservations opened.

According to the technology news site “9to5Mac”, US shipping estimates moved to January 2027 within minutes of pre-orders starting. By 8:30 a.m. ET, all color and storage options reviewed by the site indicated delivery dates in January 2027 or later.

In a statement to the Financial Times, Apple described demand for the phone as “extraordinary on every measure”, confirming that it is doing everything possible to get the device into customers’ hands as soon as possible.

The phone features an external 5.4-inch screen and an internal foldable 7.6-inch screen when opened, powered by the A20 Pro chip. Its design allows it to be used like a traditional phone when closed or take advantage of the larger screen for video viewing, reading, and multitasking when open.

Can you get one before January?

The delayed estimated delivery dates don’t mean all buyers will have to wait until next year; the delayed estimates mainly concern new orders, while customers who booked their devices earlier may receive closer delivery dates to launch.

According to the delivery dates listed on Apple’s online store, pre-ordered devices in the UAE are scheduled to start arriving on October 23rd. Buyers who are currently ordering the phone may have to wait until January 22nd, 2027, depending on the model and stock availability.

Buyers can check their expected delivery date before completing payment through Apple’s online store. Those with confirmed orders can track their shipment status and estimated arrival time via their accounts or purchase confirmation messages. These estimates may change as inventory updates and orders are processed.

• UAE
• Foldable iPhone
• Exceptional Demand
• iPhone
• iPhone 18 Pro
• iPhone Duo