iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c prices in Dubai sink; Gold 5s 'sold out'

One week after the international availability of the two new iPhones, the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s, prices in Dubai have fallen by more than 65 per cent as the devices have become more accessible to the average Ali here.

Apple announced on September 23 that it had sold a record-breaking 9 million new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models, just three days after the launch of the new iPhones on September 20. 

In addition, it maintained in a media statement that more than 200 million iOS devices were running the completely redesigned iOS 7, making it the fastest software upgrade in history. 

As Emirates 24|7 first reported in mid-September, a number of online retailers were offering Day 1 delivery of the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c right here in Dubai, despite no official UAE launch date announced by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

Read: Where to pre-order iPhone 5s and 5c in Dubai for Day 1 delivery

A number of Apple enthusiasts who didn’t mind spending a small fortune reportedly had the ‘gold’ iPhone 5s in their hands on Saturday, September 21, 2013 (they were told the ‘shipping’ took 12 hours, so Friday delivery wasn’t possible) for a sum of Dh6,000 – more than double the official suggested retail price of approximately Dh2,599 (exact price to be announced by Apple once official UAE launch date is announced).

Now, however, a week after the devices were made available in 11 countries worldwide, more iPhone 5s and 5c devices have found their way into the UAE and are responsible for a more reasonable pre-UAE launch price-point.

Online retailers such as CrazyDeals.ae are offering the iPhone 5c for a bargain price of Dh2,099 (16GB edition) with a free UAE-wide delivery within an estimated three to five business days.

For those in a hurry to own one, an in-store pick-up facility is also available.

The same retailer is also offering the Apple iPhone 5s for Dh2,989 (16GB) with same delivery/pick-up options.

Both iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are officially available in the US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK. 

Apple said that demand for its iPhone 5s had exceeded the initial supply, and many online orders were scheduled to be shipped in the coming weeks.

“This is our best iPhone launch yet – more than nine million new iPhones sold – a new record for first weekend sales,” Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, was quoted as saying in the statement. 

“The demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and while we’ve sold out of our initial supply of iPhone 5s, stores continue to receive new iPhone shipments regularly. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough new iPhones for everyone.”

Popular online retailer Souq.com is selling the 16GB iPhone 5c variant for Dh2,199 and the 16GB iPhone 5s edition starting Dh2,999.

However, the demand for the gold variant remains huge, with online retailers in Dubai offering the same for nothing less than Dh5,399 for the 16GB gold version of the iPhone 5s.

CrazyDeals.ae, the retailer that we found was offering the ‘cheapest’ iPhone 5s and 5c online as of today, lists the gold version of the iPhone 5s as ‘sold out’ but is still accepting ‘Add to wish list’ requests at Dh5,999 apiece.

Going for gold?
 

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