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Apple Lowers Prices of iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and More in China as VAT Cut Takes Effect
Apple has lowered the prices of several products in China this week, including the latest iPhones, iPads, and AirPods.
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.
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.
Tag: China
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24 weeks ago
Apple Lowers Prices of iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and More
April Fools, surely?!in China as VAT Cut Takes Effect
Ohhhhhhhh…
24 weeks ago
Chinese buy Huawei phones - plain and simple. They really do not want western companies in their markets (in this space) and feel companies like Huawei are a symbol of national pride - think GM in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's..
24 weeks ago
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.
24 weeks ago
Except if it VAT driven, the prices on competing products will drop as well and therefore not help Apple's sales.
24 weeks ago
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?
24 weeks ago
Chinese buy Huawei phones - plain and simple. They really do not want western companies in their markets (in this space) and feel companies like Huawei are a symbol of national pride - think GM in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's..
Well that plus the fact that the average salary in China for a white collar worker in 2018 was 7629 RMB per month, about $1136 USD. Even in Bejing where the highest average monthly pay is that is about 10,200 RMB or $1520 USD.
The overall average probably much lower across all careers.
Meanwhile, the average US salary is about $56,000, or $4,666 per month; over 4 times more for the averages. Probably more if you did a direct country to country average.
Money is a big issue. Asking someone to buy a phone that is 10% of their yearly salary is a tough proposition. It would be like expecting someone in the US to buy a $1099 XS Max with $12,000 per year pre-tax income
Don't forget that Huawei and other brands are offering better in specs and features for a fraction of an iPhone. Apple has to offer more value for money instead of focusing on profits alone. Apple is pushed out of China with their iPhones and I won't see them returning. It's simply a question of value for money and if Apple wasn't such a strong brandname it should see the same results in europe.
24 weeks ago
damn when i saw the first part of that headline i thought for sure that it was an april fools joke
24 weeks ago
Apple lowers prices in China?
iPhone XR starting at $924 and the iPhone XS starting at $1222 isn’t what I would call apple “lowering” prices.
I’m actually surprised anyone buys any iPhones in China considering the cheaper android alternatives, must be the Apple Watch and the AirPods.
iPhone XR starting at $924 and the iPhone XS starting at $1222 isn’t what I would call apple “lowering” prices.
I’m actually surprised anyone buys any iPhones in China considering the cheaper android alternatives, must be the Apple Watch and the AirPods.
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