Apple has recently joined China’s national subsidy program in an effort to enhance its sales amidst escalating competition from local brands and economic challenges. This initiative offers consumers in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai discounts of up to 2,000 yuan (approximately US$278) on selected Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook.
To benefit from these subsidies, customers in Shanghai must purchase their devices from one of the eight physical Apple Stores in the city. Meanwhile, buyers in Beijing can take advantage of the subsidies when placing orders through Apple’s online retail platform, provided they have a shipping address within the city.
The discounts apply to specific models of the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch priced below 6,000 yuan, offering savings of up to 500 yuan. Additionally, certain Mac models are eligible for discounts as high as 2,000 yuan.
While Apple products sold through local e-commerce platforms such as JD.com and Alibaba’s Taobao have previously qualified for subsidies, this marks the first instance of Apple offering discounts through its own retail channels under the government scheme. The participation in this program highlights Apple’s strategy to stay competitive in a challenging market, particularly as forecasts predict a decline in iPhone shipments in China by 1.9 percent in 2025.
This decline is largely attributed to stiff competition from leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Huawei Technologies, coupled with the broader economic slowdown affecting consumer spending in the country. Ultimately, Apple’s engagement in the subsidy program aims to secure a stronger foothold in the rapidly evolving mobile device landscape in China.
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