In a rare move, Apple has announced that it will be offering direct discounts on flagship iPhone models and other bestselling products in China, the firm's most important market, as a strategic move to combat growing competitors and changing consumer demand.

This offer is only valid from January 4 to January 7, 2025, and gives Chinese buyers massive savings on the products. Is this New Year promotion enough to make the Cupertino giant the number-one smartphone maker in the region?

Rare Apple Discounts Surprise Chinese Buyers

Apple Issues Rare Direct Discounts on iPhone Models: What Does

In a recent MacRumors report, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with discounts of as much as 500 yuan, or a little less than $68, are currently available on Apple's website as well as in bricks-and-mortar stores in mainland China.

An additional discount will be applied on the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, which will get a 400 yuan discount, while all older models of iPhone, including iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, can get up to a 300 yuan discount.

This limited-time sale also offers deals on other Apple products:

• Apple MacBook Air (Save up to 800 RMB)
• Various models of Apple iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Pencil

But still, the deals are not for all. Of the 29,300 units of iPhones going on sale, only those bought using WeChat Pay and Alipay will benefit from the cut.

Apple to Competitively Fight With Domestic Smartphone Firms

Apple has decided to cut prices directly in China to respond to growing competition from domestic smartphone makers, especially Huawei. While Apple rarely cuts the prices of its newest devices, it has now followed third-party retailers in offering promotions, especially around major shopping days like Singles Day.

Previously, the company's platforms such as Alibaba's Tmall and Pinduoduo cut the price of the iPhone by 1,600 yuan. Apple, however, for the first time is reducing prices this high. The offer timing is essential, as the firm aims to further consolidate its leadership in a market where it is facing fierce competition.

Huawei Gaining Momentum in China's Smartphone Market

Apple's rare discounts also mean that it needs to do better than other smartphone makers. The increasing pressure also pushes the iPhone maker to roll out new promos as a way to attract more customers. More buyers means more sales for the tech titan.

However, local brands, especially Huawei, have emerged as major competitors in the premium segment. Huawei's return to the market with locally-produced chipsets in 2023 has intensified the competition, and the company recently cut prices on its high-end devices by up to 3,000 yuan.

According to research firm IDC, the market share of Huawei has grown by 42% in the third quarter of 2024. During the same quarter, Apple lost 0.3% market share. The above-mentioned trend made Apple change its strategies and decrease the prices in China to sustain its market share.

For the first time in years, Apple briefly tumbled out of China's top five smartphone vendors in the second quarter of 2024. Though it bounced back in the third quarter, its sales declined by a minimal percentage.

The reason behind the decline is majorly due to the cut-throat competition with local manufacturers and the rising acceptance of budget phones that are comparable to high-end smartphones but sell at lower rates.

How Customers Can Avail the Offer

This is one of the special limited-time promotions Chinese consumers have the chance to save on some of Apple's most in-demand devices. Along with iPhones, other items like MacBook laptops and iPads also get reduced prices, which is a perfect time to get any Apple devices.

To take advantage of these deals, one must use any of the provided payment methods- WeChat Pay or Alipay.