Apple is offering discounts on its premium iPhones and other products in China ahead of the Chinese New Year to address growing competition in the critical market.
Customers can get 500 yuan ($68.50) off the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and 400 yuan off the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. Discounts also apply to older models like the iPhone 14 and 15.
Apple has traditionally avoided offering discounts through its own retail channels, relying instead on third-party retailers for occasional deals.
However, with rising competition, the company has shifted its strategy, increasingly offering seasonal discounts.
Last year, Apple introduced a similar Chinese New Year promotion and participated in China’s 618 shopping festival in May with significant discounts.
Apple faces increasing competition from a resurgent Huawei and other domestic brands.
According to Canalys, Apple’s smartphone shipments in mainland China dropped 6% year-on-year in Q3 2024, with its market share declining from 16% to 14%.
In contrast, Huawei’s shipments surged by 24%, boosting its market share from 13% to 16%.
Huawei, once the global leader in smartphones before U.S. sanctions hit its business, has made a strong comeback by aggressively launching new devices since late 2023.
These devices feature advanced chips that were thought challenging to produce under U.S. restrictions.
In 2024, Huawei showcased its innovation by unveiling a first-of-its-kind trifold phone, highlighting its technological prowess.
