Apple has finally delivered the shake-up fans have been waiting for. With the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the all-new iPhone Air, the tech giant signals a fresh era — one that blends bold design choices, major performance gains, and surprising durability. And yes, the UAE gets it all, eSIM-only.
A New Identity: Cosmic Orange Takes Centre Stage
Apple isn’t afraid to turn heads this year. The iPhone 17 Pro Max debuts with a two-tone colour scheme, most eye-catching in the Cosmic Orange finish. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s already the most talked-about colourway across Gulf Apple Stores.
Look closer and you’ll notice the redesigned camera plateau, now stretching across the back like Google’s Pixel, but very much Apple in refinement. The classic flat edges and rounded corners remain, but with Ceramic Shield 2 protection — three times tougher against scratches, and for the first time, covering both front and back glass.
Aluminium returns after two years of titanium, making the Pro Max lighter and better at heat management, a smart move given the Gulf’s climate and Apple’s new vapor chamber cooling system.
UAE Goes eSIM-Only
For the first time, all iPhones sold in the UAE are eSIM-only. With carriers here already eSIM-ready, setup is as simple as a visit to your provider or a quick migration via app. The Pro models support up to eight eSIMs with two active simultaneously — perfect for Gulf travellers juggling business and personal numbers.
Scratchgate? Not So Fast
Reports of “scratchgate” swept across social media, with early units showing marks. Apple has since clarified that most cases involved demo models in Apple Stores, scuffed by MagSafe stands after heavy handling.
The Gulf Talk ran its own tests: keys, coins, and even a couple of unplanned car-holder slips. The result? The iPhone 17 Pro Max walked away spotless. Everyday durability looks solid, with teardown experts also praising the back panel’s resilience.
Power, Camera, and Battery: Built for Creators
Running on iOS 26 with the futuristic Liquid Glass UI, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is fluid in both look and feel.
- Performance: The A19 Pro chip promises “MacBook-level” power, with sustained cooling thanks to the vapor chamber. For mobile gamers and video editors in the Gulf, that’s a major leap.
- Cameras: All three rear lenses now sport 48MP Fusion sensors, unlocking up to 16x optical zoom and 40x digital zoom. Night shots are sharper, video stabilisation is improved, and low-light noise is noticeably reduced compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Battery: Apple calls it the longest-lasting iPhone ever — up to 39 hours of video playback. In our tests, the Pro Max lost only 4-5% battery per hour during YouTube streaming at full brightness, easily powering through two Gulf workdays on moderate use.
iPhone 17: Subtle but Smarter
The entry-level iPhone 17 keeps things understated but gains meaningful upgrades.
- A bigger 6.3-inch display with Ceramic Shield 2 protection.
- The new A19 chip, efficient and snappy for daily use.
- Dual 48MP sensors, a big step up from last year’s 12MP ultra-wide.
- Up to 30 hours of video playback, 8 hours more than the iPhone 16.
For those who want durability and performance without Pro pricing, this is the sweet spot.
Accessories: AirPods Pro 3 & Watch SE 3
- AirPods Pro 3: Double the ANC power, four times more noise removal, and a richer sound profile with deeper bass. Battery life extends to 8 hours, with five minutes of charging delivering an extra hour — perfect for Gulf commutes.
- Apple Watch SE 3: Gains an always-on display, improved gesture controls, and the usual health metrics. Battery life stays at 18 hours — enough for a full day, but still best charged overnight.
This is Apple’s strongest upgrade cycle in years. Between the Cosmic Orange design, powerful A19 Pro performance, next-gen cameras, and record battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro Max feels like a true leap, not just an incremental update.
Add in the iPhone Air — lighter, efficient, and priced to appeal — and Apple has created a lineup that caters to both Gulf power users and style-savvy buyers.
Even better, pricing holds steady while storage doubles. That’s rare from Apple, and very welcome in today’s market.
One final thought: if the 17 gave us Cosmic Orange, maybe the iPhone 18 will give the Gulf a bold green — a nod to sustainability and regional flair.
