The buzz around Apple’s next iPhone has already begun, and this time, it’s starting right here in the UAE. The iPhone 16 Pro, which is expected to launch later this year, has made its first “appearance” in Dubai — not as a working phone, but as plastic dummy models.
These dummy units, which are used by case manufacturers to prepare accessories before a new iPhone hits the market, have already landed in the UAE. According to tech enthusiasts and local retailers, these plastic versions show off the expected size and shape of Apple’s upcoming flagship devices.
iPhone 16 Pro: What the Dummy Units Reveal
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to feature bigger displays than their predecessors. The dummy models in Dubai match previous leaks that suggest the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max will go even larger at 6.9 inches. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch display, and the 15 Pro Max measures 6.7 inches.
Although these may seem like small changes on paper, they will likely offer a noticeable difference in hand. The screen expansion gives more viewing space, which can be useful for gaming, watching videos, and multitasking.
But the size increase isn’t the only update catching attention.
New Buttons, New Experience?
One of the biggest visual changes seen on the dummy models is the addition of a new button — believed to be the “Capture Button.” This would be a brand-new feature for the iPhone lineup and is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
According to insiders, this button will be located below the power button on the right side of the phone. It’s reportedly designed to offer users an easier way to capture photos and videos quickly, similar to how DSLR cameras work.
On the left side of the device, the Action Button remains — a feature introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro — giving users another way to customise their device shortcuts.
If the plastic models are accurate, the layout of the iPhone 16 Pro will feel slightly different in your hand, especially with these new controls.
Why Are Dummy Units Important?
Now, you might be wondering — what’s the big deal about a plastic model that doesn’t even turn on?
Well, for manufacturers and retailers, these dummies are a huge deal. Accessory makers use them to start designing and producing iPhone cases, screen protectors, and stands. Getting a head start helps them launch compatible products the moment Apple officially announces the phone.
In Dubai, where new technology is highly sought after and customers are always on the lookout for the latest gear, even a plastic dummy can draw a crowd.
It also gives early adopters and tech bloggers a chance to inspect the phone’s expected design. Many YouTubers and social media influencers in the UAE have already started sharing videos and photos of the dummy units, comparing them with older iPhone models.
Dubai’s Role in Apple Hype
The UAE has become a key market for tech companies. Whether it’s for launching new products or testing market demand, Dubai is often among the first cities where new gadgets are previewed.
In recent years, Apple fans in the UAE have shown huge interest in every iPhone launch. Long lines outside Apple Stores and record-breaking preorder numbers are becoming normal here. The early arrival of iPhone dummy units shows just how connected the Dubai market is to global tech trends.
Local resellers and accessory sellers in the UAE are already working on matching their production schedules to what the dummy units suggest, so they’re ready when the real iPhones hit the shelves.
When Will the Real iPhone 16 Pro Arrive?
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the launch date of the iPhone 16 series, but if past trends are anything to go by, the announcement will likely happen in September 2025.
Once the phones are revealed, Apple usually opens preorders within a week. Based on earlier patterns, UAE customers can expect the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to be available shortly after the global launch.
In the meantime, leaks and dummy models will continue to build excitement, especially if more detailed comparisons begin to emerge.
What’s Next for Apple Fans in the UAE?
Whether you’re an Apple loyalist or just curious about the latest smartphone trends, the early appearance of the iPhone 16 Pro dummies in Dubai is an exciting development.
It shows how involved the UAE is in the global tech supply chain, and how hungry the market is for new innovation.
As we move closer to the official launch, more leaks, images, and even feature breakdowns are expected. But until then, the plastic models give us our best look yet at what Apple might have in store.
So, if you’re walking through Dubai’s tech souks or shopping malls and come across a non-functional iPhone that looks just a little too sleek — don’t be surprised. You may just be looking at the future.
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