Apple Offers Rare Discounts on Latest iPhone Models in China
Promotion Targets Rising Competition from Domestic Rivals
Apple is offering rare discounts of up to 500 yuan (S$93) on its latest iPhone models in China, as the company attempts to defend its market share against growing competition from domestic rivals such as Huawei.
Promotion Details
The four-day promotion, running from January 4 to 7, applies to several iPhone models when purchased using specific payment methods, according to Apple’s website. The flagship iPhone 16 Pro with a starting price of 7,999 yuan and the iPhone 16 Pro Max with a starting price of 9,999 yuan will see the highest discount of 500 yuan. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will receive a 400 yuan reduction.
Economic Factors
The discounts come as consumers remain cautious with spending amid China’s slowing economy and deflationary pressures, with the country’s consumer inflation hitting a five-month low in November.
Competition in the Chinese Market
Apple is grappling with declining market share in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, where local manufacturers have intensified competition. Huawei has emerged as a strong challenger since its return to the premium segment in August 2023 with locally-made chipsets. Huawei had cut the prices of a variety of high-end devices, including mobile phones, by up to 3,000 yuan over the weekend on one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms.
Market Trends
Apple briefly fell out of China’s top five smartphone vendors in the second quarter of 2024 before recovering in the third quarter. The US company’s smartphone sales in China still slipped 0.3 per cent during the third quarter from a year earlier, while Huawei’s sales surged 42 per cent, according to research firm IDC.
Promotion Includes Other Products
The Apple promotion also includes discounts of 200 to 300 yuan on older iPhone models, as well as other categories of products such as MacBook laptops and iPad tablets. Customers must use designated payment methods, including WeChat Pay or Alipay, to qualify for the discounts.
Conclusion
The Apple promotion aims to boost sales in China, a crucial market for the company, as it faces increased competition from domestic rivals. The discounts are expected to attract price-conscious consumers who are cautious with their spending amid economic uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the duration of the Apple promotion in China?
A: The promotion runs from January 4 to 7.
Q: Which iPhone models are eligible for the discounts?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus are eligible for the discounts.
Q: How much is the maximum discount for each iPhone model?
A: The maximum discount is 500 yuan for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and 400 yuan for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Q: What payment methods are required to qualify for the discounts?
A: Customers must use designated payment methods, including WeChat Pay or Alipay, to qualify for the discounts.
