Apple has introduced limited-time discounts on its iPhones and other products in China, coinciding with the Lunar New Year celebration.
The official Chinese website is promoting price reductions of up to 500 RMB ($70) on the latest iPhone models.
Additionally, flagship Apple products like the Mac and iPad will see discounts of up to 800 RMB ($112) and 400 RMB ($56), respectively.
The special promotion is scheduled from January 18 to January 21.
Unlike its usual practice, Apple rarely initiates sales or discounts, striving to maintain its premium brand image.
This tactic has been crucial as Apple aims to attract high-end buyers in the competitive Chinese smartphone market.
The decision to lower iPhone prices comes shortly after Huawei, a prominent Chinese tech giant, unveiled its latest smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, approximately five months ago.
This smartphone has gained popularity among Chinese consumers, prompting attention from US officials due to its advanced chip technology.
Around the same period as the Mate 60 Pro’s release, there were reports from the Wall Street Journal claiming that China had prohibited central government officials from using iPhones.
However, a Chinese government spokesperson later denied the existence of any laws or rules banning iPhones.
These discounts on iPhones in China raise concerns about the recent demand for Apple products in the world’s second-largest economy.
China has historically been a crucial market for Apple, contributing around one-fifth of its overall sales last year.
According to Counterpoint Research, sales for the iPhone 15 decreased by 4.5% in China compared to the iPhone 14 in the first two weeks after its September launch.
Jefferies Research reported a 30% decline in iPhone sales in the first week of the year, raising questions about Apple’s performance in the challenging Chinese market.
China remains one of Apple’s key markets, ranking second in sales, only behind North America.
However, the economic challenges faced by China in the past year have impacted Apple’s overall growth.
Recently, Apple lost its position as the stock market’s most valuable company, yielding to Microsoft.
