Apple has taken an unusual step by offering temporary discounts on its iPhones and other products in China, responding to increasing competition in Asia’s smartphone market.
As part of a Lunar New Year sale on its official Chinese website, Apple is providing discounts of up to 500 RMB ($70) on the latest iPhone models.
Additionally, flagship Apple products such as the Mac and iPad will see discounts of up to 800 RMB ($112) and 400 RMB ($56), respectively, during the promotion from January 18 to January 21.
While third-party sellers occasionally discount Apple products, the tech giant itself rarely offers deals, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a premium brand image, crucial for attracting high-end buyers in China.
The decision to cut iPhone prices comes shortly after the release of Huawei’s latest smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, which gained popularity among Chinese consumers.
Huawei’s use of an advanced chip raised concerns among U.S. officials.
The move also follows reports that China had purportedly banned iPhones for central government officials, a claim later denied by a Chinese government spokesperson.
The discounts on iPhones in China have raised questions about recent demand for Apple products in the world’s second-largest economy, where approximately one-fifth of Apple’s overall sales originated last year.
Sales for the iPhone 15 in China showed a 4.5% decline compared to iPhone 14 sales in the first two weeks after its September launch, according to Counterpoint Research.
Jefferies Research reported a 30% drop in iPhone sales in the first week of the year.
While China remains a crucial market for Apple, contributing significantly to its sales, the country’s economic challenges have impacted Apple’s overall growth, leading to the recent loss of its status as the stock market’s most valuable company to Microsoft.
Source-CNN
