To further solidify its base in the country against homegrown brands such as Huawei, Apple has introduced a limited-time discount on its latest iPhone models in China – up to 500 yuan ($68.50). The four-day discount sale will be held from January 4 through 7, during which several iPhone models will be available at discounted prices if bought through payment platforms like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
For the maximum discount of 500 yuan, the discounts are offered on the flagship iPhone 16 Pro, starting at 7,999 yuan, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max priced at 9,999 yuan. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available with a 400 yuan discount. Older models of iPhones and other Apple products such as MacBooks and iPads get markdowns in the 200-300 yuan range.
Why is China offering massive discount on iPhone models?
This strategic move comes as China’s slowing economy impacts consumer spending. The country’s inflation rate hit a five-month low in November, adding to the economic pressures.
The challenge mounted for Apple as domestic brands strengthened their positions in the world’s largest smartphone market, China. Huawei has now returned to premium in 2023 after improving its competitiveness in the country, thanks to its locally-made chipsets. Last week, it cut the price of some high-end products by up to 3,000 yuan, from smartphones to laptop computers, and attracted customers for an e-commerce sale.
Apple briefly lost its position among the top five smartphone vendors in China for the second quarter of 2024. Although it rebounded in the third quarter, unit sales declined by 0.3% year over year. Meanwhile, Huawei experienced a 42% spike in unit sales, said IDC.
Apple’s discounts reflect its response to Huawei’s rapid ascent and the need to appeal to cost-conscious consumers in a challenging economic climate. Whether this promotion will boost sales and sustain Apple’s market presence remains to be seen.
Also, see: China faces new virus outbreak five years after COVID-19 pandemic