Tech Desk 
May 14, 2025
Given Apple's low sales woes in the Chinese market, triggered by the US tariffs, it has emerged that major Chinese e-commerce sites are offering huge discounts on iPhone 16 models to revive sales ahead of the annual "618" shopping festival celebrated annually on June 18.
Top retailers, including JD.com and Alibaba’s Tmall, have slashed select iPhone 16's prices by up to 2,530 yuan (approximately $351. These discounts are also said to be introduced with the help of government subsidies.
JD.com is selling the 128GB iPhone 16 Pro at 5,469 yuan, down from Apple’s official price of 7,999 yuan, while the 256GB iPhone 16 model is listed at 5,469 yuan, a straight 1,530 yuan drop compared to its original price, Reuters reported.
Tmall has some similar iPhone deals, where the iPhone 16 Pro 128GB model is listed at 5,499 yuan, complemented by applicable coupons and state subsidies.
It has so far not been confirmed whether these iPhone discounts are directly backed by Apple or are offered by third-party sellers. However, selective discounting has become a part of Apple's strategy in China, especially during major shopping events like "618" organised by JD.com every year.
“Apple is repeating its sales promotion strategy for the shopping event last year,” said IDC analyst Will Wong. “It’s cutting prices on iPhone 16 Pro so that it can enjoy China’s state subsidies on digital products.”
In the first quarter this year, iPhone shipments to China fell 9%, while local competitors Xiaomi and Huawei registered massive gains.
