10 things you need to know about iPhone 7 rollout in UAE

Dubai - For the first time, UAE among first nations in first wave of sales

There won't be any midnight launches, but it's all just the same: the UAE is ready to welcome Apple's new flagship smartphones.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have starts hitting UAE shelves at 8am today, which will start at the Apple Store in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates.

Here are a few things you need to know about the latest iterations of Apple's revenue-raking machine.

1. Again, there are no midnight launches. Yes, we already mentioned that. We just did it again so you can miss what happened two years ago during the iPhone 6 launch, when du's first customer, after queueing up the whole day, got five more units for free.

2. Your options. As you've known, there are again two new iPhones, the 4.7-inch 7 and the 5.5-inch 7 Plus. Both did get blessed with upgrades - some of which are rather interesting - though they aren't what you would exactly label as "wow". We'll find out for ourselves when we (finally) get our hands on them.

All storage options have all been doubled at 32GB, 128GB and 256GB (adios, 16GB and 64GB). As far as colours are concerned, black and jet black join mainstays silver, gold and rose gold, while space grey is gone. Be reminded, though, that the jet black option is only available for the 128GB and 256GB handsets.

3. Pricing. Alas, arguably the most important thing, no? Taking the storage options we've mentioned above, the iPhone 7 will sell for Dh2,599, Dh2,999 and Dh3,399, respectively, while the 7 Plus will go for Dh3,099, Dh3,499 and Dh3,899. Fact: Compared to the iPhone 6s a year ago, the iPhone 7 has the same price points, while the 7 Plus gets an additional Dh100 on its price tag; to put that into perspective, it's double the storage at the same price.

4. Don't forget about the new Watch: The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus aren't the only stars as Apple will also start selling its Watch Series 2. The upgraded wearable, which will start at Dh1,499, now dons watchOS 3, which is expected to improve its performance. Arguably the best features are its GPS and swim-proof capabilities (can measure your performance in the pool). There's even one built with some help from Nike.

5. The fun won't stop at functionalities. Nintendo is finally bringing Mario to mobile gaming with Super Mario Run on the iPhone 7, while Pikachu and friends will keep you busy with Pokemon GO coming to the Apple Watch. That's all you need to know; coming soon.

6. Don't throw your audio equipment with 3.5mm audio jacks: Some people's worst fears were realised when Apple officially said it was ditching the 3.5mm audio jack in favour of an all-Lightning connection. You'll get a free Lightning-to-audio adaptor in the box, anyway.

7. Too timid to queue? Hey, you can always order online from major UAE retailers, right?

8. Plan away: Data-guzzling users, you can set your sights on etisalat and du for their great packages. They will be available starting tomorrow, as well.

9. And about those AirPods: They look interesting, but these literally-wireless headsets already have mixed reactions from those who've tried them. It's the same old EarPods without the tangles, and you can access Siri with them with a tap. Word of advice: make sure you don't misplace them.

10: UAE's among the first! Yes, this is the first time in history that the UAE will be part of the first wave of countries that will have the new iPhones on its shelves on Day 1. This just shows both the brand's strength in the country and Apple's commitment to us.

For those who'll be able to get their new iPhones on the first day, congratulations and have fun. For those patient enough, you have all the time in the world after the queues are gone. Let us know what you think of the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

- alvin@khaleejtimes.com

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