Apple Authorized Retailers will significantly sell the latest iPhone series in China in a new promotion aimed at recovering sales in the country, as the California tech giant faces stiff competition from domestic brands such as Huawei Technologies. We offer it at a discounted price.
The top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max, released in September last year, is priced at 8,849 yuan (US$1,230) on Jingdong Shopping Mall, which competes with Alibaba Group’s e-commerce platform Tmall. About 1,150 yuan cheaper than the price of.
Alibaba is the owner of the South China Morning Post.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
Toby Zhu, a senior analyst at market research firm Canalys, said the iPhone discounts were as expected, adding that Apple should recognize the increase in iPhone inventory that has been expanding since the end of last year.
Analysts say the new promotion for Apple underscores the growing pressure in China as the country’s smartphone makers compete for a larger share of the premium handset sector.
“Apple is feeling competition from local vendors as companies including Huawei move into the premium category,” said Guo Tianxiang, senior analyst at market consultancy IDC China.
IDC’s Guo said iPhone sales have been sluggish since the beginning of this year, but there is strong demand for premium Android devices (defined as devices priced at 4,000 yuan or more).
He said consumers are upset that the gap between the features offered by the iPhone and those offered by higher-end Android models is narrowing. While his iPhone models over the past few years have only had gradual upgrades, his Android models have seen technological advancements.
As consumers crave AI and foldable designs, can Apple fend off rivals in China?
As consumers crave AI and foldable designs, can Apple fend off rivals in China?
According to a January research note by TF International Securities analyst Kuo Ming-Chi, the iPhone is facing structural changes in the sector, including the emergence of a new paradigm in premium mobile phone design. Apple’s supply chain.
Due to these changes, iPhone shipments in the Chinese market will continue to decline this year, he said.
Apple reported a nearly 13% drop in December quarter sales in Greater China, which includes the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
