In a rare move, Apple is offering discounts of up to RMB 500 ($68.5) on iPhones in China. The promo runs from January 4 through 7 and only applies to selected payment methods.
Apple rarely provides direct discounts on its products, especially on newer models. However, it seems to be making an exception in China.
Apple’s online store in China slashes iPhone price
iPhones are typically discounted in China before a big shopping event or holiday, like the New Year or Single’s Day Sale. However, Apple itself avoids offering direct discounts through its online store. Instead, third-party retailers slash the phone’s prices ahead of these lucrative events to drive sales.
China is among Apple’s biggest markets. In recent times, though, the company has faced intense competition from local players coupled with a slowdown in consumer spending. 2024 was especially challenging, with iPhone sales sliding in the year’s first half. Demand eventually rebounded thanks to heavy discounts by third-party retailers. In the US, though, the company rarely ever directly slashes iPhone prices to spur sales.
In a bid to ensure iPhone sales don’t fall again like last year, Apple is running a promotional offer in China, discounting iPhones by up to $68.5, reports Reuters. You can save the most on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, with the non-Pro iPhone 16 available for RMB 400 less. You can save up to RMB 300 on older iPhone models.
You can save on iPads and Mac, too
The promotional offer is also applicable on Macs and iPads, with discounts of up to RMB 800.
The only catch is that you must pay through an eligible payment method to receive the discount, which includes WeChat and AliPay. Do note that you can likely get the iPhone with a higher discount from third-party retailers.
Consumer spending in China is steadily declining, likely prompting Apple to launch this marketing campaign. The company will likely run another promotional offer a few days before the Chinese New Year later this month to drive sales.
