Apple has announced a “New Year’s Price Cut” in China. From January 4 to 7, eligible purchases made through specified payment methods could save up to 800 yuan (approximately 160,000 won). This promotion applies to most Apple products, including the latest iPhone series, MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Pencil.
The MacBook series sees the biggest discount, with the 13-inch MacBook Air (M2 model) reduced by 600 yuan and the 15-inch MacBook Air (M3 model) by 800 yuan. Even the latest iPhone 16 series is included, with discounts of up to 500 yuan for the Pro and Pro Max models.
The discounted prices for the iPhone 16 start at 5,999 yuan, while the Pro model begins at 7,999 yuan. Last October, Apple also held a discount event in China shortly after releasing the iPhone 16 series. Chinese consumers can benefit further through the government-backed “Trade-in for a New” policy, receiving subsidies up to 1,100 yuan.
Chinese media outlet Jie Mian News commented that the sudden price cuts, though not substantial, could boost Apple’s sales ahead of the Chinese New Year and help it maintain an edge over domestic brands.
The Chinese smartphone market has become a battleground for domestic brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo, fueled by patriotic consumer sentiment. According to Canalys, Huawei’s premium smartphone shipments increased by 34% year-on-year in Q3, raising its market share to 33%, narrowing the gap with Apple, which holds a 52% share.
Recently, Huawei also launched a promotion cutting prices by up to 20% for some products, including the Pura 70 series and Mate X5.