Apple’s iPhone 16 Sees Deep Discounts in China Ahead of “618” Festival
Deep Discounts on Latest iPhones
As reported by Reuters, Chinese e-commerce giants JD.com and Alibaba’s Tmall are offering discounts of up to 2,530 yuan ($351) on Apple’s latest iPhone 16 models to attract price-sensitive consumers ahead of the June 18 “618” shopping festival.
Price Cuts Target Cost-Conscious Shoppers
JD.com lists the 128GB iPhone 16 Pro at 5,469 yuan—down from the official 7,999 yuan—while Tmall offers a similar discount using government-backed coupons. The 256GB iPhone 16 is also seeing markdowns of up to 1,530 yuan.
Apple Tries to Reverse Sales Decline
This aggressive pricing comes as Apple’s Q1 shipments in China dropped 9%, even as domestic rivals Xiaomi and Huawei posted strong growth. Analysts suggest Apple is reviving its strategy from last year, using selective discounting to tap into state subsidies on digital products.
Leveraging State Subsidies
It’s unclear whether Apple is directly behind the discounts or if they’re platform-led. Either way, these deals reflect fierce competition and a push to regain momentum in Apple’s second-largest market.