Telecom provider du noted on its website that "eSIM / dual SIM handsets will not be available in UAE", while Etisalat has since confirmed it is working with Apple to make eSIM available to customers in the near future.

Apple said at the earlier launch event that dual SIM capability is being implemented in many countries via a regular nano-sized SIM and an eSIM, though China would be an exception as it is getting dual nano SIMs.

At last year's iPhone X launch in the UAE, some Apple fans flew up to four hours to get to Dubai Mall and purchase the new phone, while others queued through the night.

Analysts were not expecting such a frenzy this time around as the new releases marked incremental updates rather than totally redesigned handsets.

The Apple Watch Series 4, which is about 30 per cent bigger than current models and includes more health features, will also be available.Etisalat says it will also be the first operator in the Mena region to launch the eSIM service with the new Apple Watch series.

Etisalat customers will be able to purchase the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max with flexible Smart Pay plans on a 12, 18, or 24 month contract and also avail the AppleCare+ service for Dh30 per month. Customers opting for a 24 month smart pay plan can purchase the iPhone XS for Dh185, or the iPhone XS Max for Dh210, respectively, per month.

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