Apple confirms iPhone 6s, 6s Plus to retail in UAE on Oct 10, priced from Dhs 2,599

Apple has confirmed that its new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus smartphones will be officially available in the United Arab Emirates from October 10.

The new devices, launched earlier this month, began retailing in the United States on September 25 and will launch in 40 additional countries on October 9.

They will arrive on October 10 in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – during the third phase of rollout, Apple said in a statement.

In the Emirates, the iPhone 6s will retail for Dhs 2,599 (16GB), Dhs 2,999 (64GB) and Dhs 3,399 (128GB).

The rates for the iPhone 6s Plus begin from Dhs 2,999 for the 16GB model with the 64GB model priced at Dhs 3,399 and the 128GB retailing for Dhs 3,799.

The 6s and 6s Plus will be available in gold, silver, space grey and the new rose gold metallic finishes. Apple-designed accessories including leather and silicone cases and lightning docks in colour-matched metallic finishes are also available, the statement added.

The company also announced it has sold more than 13 million new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models – a new record – three days after launch.

“Sales for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple’s history,” said Apple’s chief executive officer Tim Cook.

“Customers’ feedback is incredible and they are loving 3D Touch and Live Photos.”

The new iPhone 6S and the 6S Plus devices share the same size as their predecessors but have some added features.

The new 3D Touch feature provides new multi-touch options to users while the cameras have also been improved to provide 12MP pictures and 4K videos.

The new iPhones also have increased RAM space and come with an A9 chip with 64-bit architecture, facilitating faster processer speed.

In terms of design, the 6S and the 6S Plus are made with 7000 series aluminum and feature Retina HD displays made from the “strongest cover glass used on any smartphone in the world,” according to Apple.

In the UAE, the new iPhones are also available through du and Etisalat and select Apple authorised resellers, the statement said.

According to IDC, Apple’s share of the smartphone market in the UAE has increased from 11 per cent in Q3 2014 to 18 per cent in Q2 2015.

In line with increased demand, the company also plans to open a new branded store in the country this year.

While no official details have been disclosed, reports suggest the new store will be located in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and launched in October.