Islamabad, Jan 2: Apple is running a rare four-day promotion in China from January 4 to 7, offering discounts of up to 500 yuan ($68.50) on its latest iPhone models. The initiative aims to counter growing competition from domestic rivals like Huawei, which has made a strong comeback in the premium smartphone segment.
Discount Details
- iPhone 16 Pro: Starting at 7,999 yuan, with a 500-yuan discount.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Starting at 9,999 yuan, also discounted by 500 yuan.
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: Discounts of 400 yuan.
- Older iPhone models and other Apple products, including MacBooks and iPads, also receive discounts ranging from 200 to 300 yuan.
- Discounts are available only when using specific payment methods like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Market Challenges
Apple faces declining market share in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, amid economic slowdowns and intensified competition. Huawei, equipped with locally made chipsets, saw a 42% sales surge in the third quarter of 2024, while Apple’s sales dipped 0.3%, according to IDC.
Huawei’s Competitive Edge
Huawei recently slashed prices of high-end devices by up to 3,000 yuan on leading e-commerce platforms, making its devices more appealing to price-sensitive consumers in a slowing economy.
The discounts come as Apple works to retain its foothold in China, a critical market, by adapting to consumer spending trends and responding to rising competition. The promotion underscores the importance of localized strategies in the face of global economic challenges.
