The iPhone 17 has officially landed in the UAE, with pre-orders now live across Apple stores and major retailers like Etisalat, du, Virgin Mobile, and Amazon.ae.
While Apple promises better durability and camera upgrades, early buzz is being overshadowed by a new controversy – “Scratchgate”, with reports of the Ceramic Shield 2 glass showing fine scratches shortly after launch.
iPhone 17 Price in the UAE
Apple UAE has confirmed official pricing:
- iPhone 17 (256GB) – starting at AED 3,799
- iPhone 17 (512GB) – around AED 4,399
Pre-orders opened on September 12, 2025, with UAE delivery and in-store availability starting September 19, 2025.
Key Specs & Features
- 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On Display
- Ceramic Shield 2 – marketed as 3× more scratch resistant
- 48MP Dual Fusion rear cameras + new 18MP front camera with Center Stage and dual capture
- A19 Bionic processor for faster performance and better efficiency
- Base storage starts at 256GB (double last year’s entry model)
- Colours: Black, Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White
“Scratchgate” in the UAE
Despite Apple’s claims, many buyers across the UAE have already taken to social media reporting fine scratches on their brand-new iPhone 17 screens: even with light, everyday use. This has sparked #Scratchgate debates, raising concerns about whether a screen protector is a must-have from day one.
- Apple’s pitch: “Ceramic Shield 2 is the toughest smartphone glass.”
- User experience: Scratches from keys, sand, and daily wear are still being reported.
- Local shops: UAE retailers are already bundling screen protectors and cases with pre-orders, anticipating the concern.
