Apple has lowered the prices of several products in China this week, including the latest iPhones, iPads, and AirPods.
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As noted by CNBC, the iPhone XR now starts at 6199 RMB on Apple's online store in China, nearly five percent lower than its previous 6499 RMB price tag. The higher-end iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models each received a 500 RMB price cut as well and now start at 8,199 RMB and 9,099 RMB respectively.
Likewise, the second-generation AirPods with the standard Lightning charging case now start at 1,246 RMB, down slightly from 1,279 RMB, and the 11-inch iPad Pro has been discounted to 6,331 RMB from 6,499 RMB previously.
The price cuts appear to be due in part to a reduction in China's value-added tax (VAT) that went into effect today to help boost the economy there, but regardless of the reason, any price cut could be good news for Apple as it seeks to bolster sales in China.
Last quarter, Apple issued its first revenue warning in 16 years due to "fewer iPhone upgrades" than it anticipated and "significantly greater" than expected economic weakness in the Greater China region. Apple already discounted iPhone prices at third-party resellers in China to improve results.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Apple Lowers Prices of iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and More
April Fools, surely?!in China as VAT Cut Takes Effect
Ohhhhhhhh…That is not a serious cut. Apple does not think it is in a crisis. Well, it might become a catastrophe by the end of the year. China is fast evolving market out of Apple's last year plan. Take it seriously, Apple. Make a 20-25% price cut and hold your market share. Samsung is dying there. Did you not see that?
Apple knows the iPhone can't compete in China whatever they will price it. In China you can buy better for half the price of the iPhones. Wait for the Chinese brands to get a foothold on american soil. All new iPhones should have come with dual camera and OLED already and with better RAM options to make them somewhat competitive again. But Apple is only focusing on profit margins so I'm saving some hope for iOS 13 to leapfrog away from Android. If not... iPhone is done.