Apple’s iPhone 16, which hasn’t officially launched yet, is already being sold at a discount on popular Chinese e-commerce platforms. Platforms like Pinduoduo, Taobao, and Tmall are offering price cuts on different iPhone 16 models, hinting at lower-than-expected demand due to the delay in the rollout of Apple’s new AI features in China.
On Pinduoduo, the iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) is available for 8,999 yuan ($1,268), a 10% discount from the official price of 9,999 yuan. The 128GB model has an even larger discount of 11%. Similarly, Taobao and Tmall are offering a 4% discount on the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max, reducing the price by 400 yuan to 9,599 yuan.
These early discounts suggest that consumer interest in the new iPhone may be cooling off, especially as Apple’s AI features, which were highly anticipated, are delayed in the Chinese market. This could be impacting demand, as AI and smart technology features have become key selling points for smartphones in China.
Moreover, competition from local brands like Huawei and Xiaomi, which are also pushing advanced AI capabilities in their devices, is likely playing a role in the reduced demand for the iPhone 16. As the release date nears, more discounts could follow as sellers look to attract buyers.
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