‘Massive fight’ breaks out at Dubai Mall as Apple fans try to get their hands on the new iPhone 15 – while thousands more queue outside stores around the world
It’s a highly anticipated event, with thousands of Apple fans lining up outside stores around the world to be the first to get their hands on a new iPhone.
But the official launch of the iPhone 15 descended into chaos in Dubai when a “massive brawl” broke out and security forces were forced to intervene.
Shocking footage shows customers pushing each other outside Apple’s flagship store at Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates before several people appear to fall to the ground.
Other videos show customers running through the mall – one of the largest malls in the world – and crowding the escalators, shouting loudly.
“There was a massive argument in a queue outside the Dubai Apple Store over the new iPhone 15,” one person wrote on X.
Videos also show customers running through the center and crowding onto escalators
Another added: “The queue at Dubai Mall this morning for the #iPhone15 release is just incredible.” “What I saw last year was a joke compared to what I saw today.”
The chaos came as thousands of Apple superfans flocked to stores around the world today and the iPhone 15 officially went on sale.
Cities seeing crowds this morning included London, Beijing and Bangkok, with many people keen to be among the first to buy the device.
The official launch comes a week after the tech titan’s highly anticipated Wanderlust event, where CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9, among other things.
Apple customers in India even camped out last night to be first in line at its Mumbai and Delhi stores, with some already waiting as early as 3pm yesterday.
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The standard range of new iPhones starts at $799/£799 and comes with a new titanium frame, a USB-C charging port and new artificial intelligence features.
Despite being popular, the iPhone 15 has received mixed reviews since it was unveiled at the Wanderlust event on September 12th.
While the device comes in five never-before-seen colors and an improved rear camera, some claim that it lacks the hoped-for developments.
These include battery life and screen size, with the iPhone 15 having the same 6.1-inch display and video playback capacity as the iPhone 14.
Many customers pushed each other in one of the largest shopping centers in the world
Despite being popular, the new iPhone 15 has received mixed reviews since it was unveiled at the Wanderlust event on September 12th
The launch comes just a week after the tech titan’s highly anticipated Wanderlust event, where CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9, among other things. Queues in Thailand can be seen in the picture
LONDON: The first customers enter the Apple Store on Regent Street in central London as the new Apple iPhone 15 goes on sale in the UK
PARIS: Customers line up outside an Apple Store in Paris, France
MailOnline has contacted Dubai Police to verify the legitimacy of the video
Nevertheless, one X user claimed that a tourist in Dubai bought a whopping 11 iPhone 15s as a gift for his family.
In India, another superfan shared ANI: “I’ve been here since 3pm yesterday.” “I waited in line for 17 hours at India’s first Apple Store to get the first iPhone.”
Hundreds of people also queued outside the Apple Store on Regent Street this morning. Staff were filmed clapping as the store opened its doors at 8am.
“Long lines, cities crossed, skies crossed and familiar faces met – all because of the allure of the #iPhone15,” one user added.
“The journey is as much a testament to dedication as the destination.”
“In the world of technology, some stories are just… Apple-d!” But it really is that sensational.”
ITALY: Milan was among the cities full of Apple superfans this morning
LONDON: Thousands of Apple superfans flocked to stores around the world today, including Regent Street (pictured)
An X user claimed that a tourist in Dubai bought a total of 11 iPhone 15s as gifts for his family today
AUSTRALIA: Apple fans flocked to the Apple Store in Sydney today as the Apple Watch Series 9 was officially launched
FRANCE: The standard range of new iPhones starts at $799/£799 and comes with a new titanium frame and a USB-C charging port
JAPAN: The Apple Store in Tokyo opened its doors to a line of customers this morning
THAILAND: The iPhone 15 is among Apple’s new products officially hitting stores today
USA: An X user said that there was a huge queue outside Apple in Boston, USA this morning
LONDON: Members of the public gather at the Apple Store on Regent Street
LONDON: Customers enter the Apple Store to buy iPhone 15 handsets
CHINA: Beijing was flooded with people this morning as the iPhone 15 was released
These queues also come after months of speculation surrounding the iPhone 15, with numerous bogus products and predictions flooding the internet.
Many of them rightly suggested that Apple’s new device would feature a cutting-edge titanium design, made from the same alloy used to build NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover.
Apple claims that this makes the model more durable and lighter compared to previous models.
The mute switch was also expected to be replaced with a customizable “action button” – marking the first time Apple has changed this since 2007.
And the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C port was also expected, as Apple reluctantly had to comply with the new EU regulations.
But Name Drop was among the more surprising features, allowing users to exchange contact information simply by bringing two iPhone devices together.
Nevertheless, observers say that the external appearance of the iPhone 15 is almost a spitting image of an iPhone 14.
Both the iPhone 15 and its predecessor feature 6.1-inch screens and weigh just over 170g, with battery capacity providing 20 hours of video playback.
These also feature 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9) front cameras with autofocus capabilities, although the iPhone 15’s rear camera is significantly improved.
MailOnline has contacted Apple for comment.