BEIJING: Apple is rolling out limited-time discounts of up to 500 yuan (approximately $68.50) on its latest iPhone models in China. This strategic move aims to protect its market share against growing competition from domestic rivals, particularly Huawei. The four-day promotion takes place from January 4 to January 7, 2025, offering discounts on select iPhone models for purchases made with specific payment methods listed on Apple’s website.
Discount Details
The flagship iPhone 16 Pro, priced from 7,999 yuan, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, starting at 9,999 yuan, will each have a maximum discount of 500 yuan. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will see a reduction of 400 yuan. Older iPhone models will see reductions of 200 to 300 yuan, making this an attractive offer for customers looking to upgrade.
Market Context
These discounts come amid a cautious consumer spending climate in China, where economic growth has slowed, and deflationary pressures are rising. In November, consumer inflation in the country hit a five-month low, impacting purchasing behavior.
Apple is experiencing growing pressure in China, the largest smartphone market globally, as local manufacturers intensify their competition. Since its return to the premium smartphone segment in August 2023, Huawei has become a formidable competitor. The company has slashed prices on various high-end devices by up to 3,000 yuan, making it an appealing option for consumers.
Recent Sales Trends
Despite a brief drop out of the top five smartphone vendors in China during the second quarter of 2024, Apple managed to regain its footing in the third quarter. However, the company’s smartphone sales in China still fell by 0.3% year-over-year during that period, while Huawei’s sales surged by an impressive 42%, according to research from IDC.
Additional Offers
Beyond iPhones, the promotion also includes discounts on other Apple products, such as MacBook laptops and iPad tablets. To qualify for these discounts, customers must use designated payment methods, including WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Conclusion
Apple’s latest discount promotion reflects the company’s efforts to remain competitive in the challenging Chinese market. With significant price cuts on flagship iPhone models and older devices, Apple aims to attract consumers and maintain its presence amid fierce competition from local brands like Huawei. As the promotion unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it impacts Apple’s sales performance in one of its key markets.
