Edward Collins 
Jan 15, 2024
Tech giant Apple has listed some iPhone models in China at an extensive price tag amid the rising competition in the world's biggest smartphone market.
By offering up to 5pc discount on some iPhone models, the iPhone maker has dropped iPhone prices by up to 500 yuan ($70), as displayed on Apple's Chinese website on Monday.
The website also showed the validity of the offer, which is from Jan 18 to Jan 21. The time-bound offer, referred to as the Lunar New Year event, comes amid Apple registering shallower sales on its recently launched iPhone 15 series compared to other models in China.
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As noted by Reuters, China's indigenous smartphone makers, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, are offering competitive models for being Apple's archrivals. Abiding by the US-imposed sanctions, some government and privately-owned companies in China have reportedly prohibited the use of iPhones within the company's premises for staffers.
During the first week of 2024, iPhone sales were recorded 30pc less compared to that of the same period of the previous year. Meanwhile, analysts believe that the competition in the Chinese smartphone market will get tougher this year.
With Apple slashing prices on its latest iPhone models, some Chinese e-commerce platforms, such as Pinduoduo, have also dropped prices of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro by as much as 16%.
Nicole Peng, senior vice president of market research firm Canalys, said the discounts did not come as a surprise as Apple is under pressure to boost sales globally, especially in China, amid intensifying competition and Apple fans' growing reluctance to upgrade.
Nicole Peng, senior vice president of the market research firm Canalys, said, "It is clear that Huawei is making a comeback. Some Chinese consumers may return to using Huawei as driven by patriotism."
He expects iPhone sales this year to stay low globally while suffering a slight decline in China.
