{
  "id": 5245548,
  "title": "Buying the iPhone 18 Pro Max on EMI in Dubai? Why paying in instalments may not be for everyone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/buying-the-iphone-18-pro-max-on-emi-in-dubai-why-paying-in",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-03T03:52:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/technology/buying-the-iphone-18-pro-max-on-emi-in-dubai-why-paying-in-instalments-may-not-be-for-everyone-1.500661485"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to launch in Dubai, with prices potentially reaching Dh5500, though no official confirmation has been provided yet. The decision to purchase a phone on EMI (equated monthly installments) can make the cost seem more manageable, but experts advise caution.\n\nFaizan Mandavia, Founder & Group CEO, emphasizes that if one cannot afford to buy the phone outright, they may not be in a position to afford it via EMI. He suggests evaluating the phone's total cost, financial obligations, financing costs, and the intended duration of device ownership.\n\nConsumers should consider the complete financial commitment rather than just the monthly EMI. A 0% EMI offer might seem appealing, but it's essential to understand the complete contractual cost, including processing fees, late-payment penalties, and early-settlement conditions. The phone's value depreciates quickly, making it a financial liability rather than an asset.\n\nFinancial coach Jay Adrian Tolentino warns that while EMI payments may seem convenient, problems often emerge when bills accumulate. He urges consumers to avoid the trap of borrowing from tomorrow to pay for today, as phones lose value the moment they are unboxed.",
  "summary": "Another year, another iPhone, and another couple of weeks of sadly checking your bank accounts and mumbling, 'Should I buy this on EMI?' Yes well, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are arriving along with the Fold, with the prices potentially crossing over into Dh5500 territory, though nothing is confirmed as yet. So back to the question: Should you buy the iPhone on EMI? For people tempted to spread…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Mac",
        "title": "Apple paying 400% more for iPhone 18 Pro memory, says TrendForce",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/apple-paying-400-more-for-iphone-18-pro-memory-says-trendforce",
        "published": "2026-09-03T11:37:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}