iPhone 15 Series Sees Strong Sales Debut in China Amid Government Usage Restrictions

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 12:05 a.m.

The iPhone 15 series gained significant traction in China, driven by its competitive pricing, advanced features, and government usage restrictions. Apple plans to expand its retail presence in Shanghai.

The iPhone 15 series made a formidable debut in China, following its official launch last Wednesday. The lineup consists of four models, starting at a competitive 5,999 yuan, boasting a host of design enhancements and functional upgrades, including improved cameras and an array of new colors.

The standout Pro and Pro Max variants, available at prices ranging from 7,999 to 13,999 yuan, incorporate what Apple touts as "the industry's first 3-nanometer chip," the A17 Pro. Additionally, they introduce a titanium case to reduce weight and a shift to more universally compatible type-C charging cords.

Comparatively, Huawei's Mate 60 Pro, purportedly powered by a domestically produced 7-nanometer chip, is priced at 6,999 yuan.

Meanwhile, Apple grapples with a partial restriction on government use, despite China's foreign ministry denying any official ban. Numerous government agencies have issued directives prohibiting the use of iPhones within government premises.

Demand for the premium Pro Max models remains robust, as anticipated. Conversely, interest in the standard iPhone 15 models mirrors last year's performance, according to Kuo Ming-chi, an analyst at TF International Securities.

In other developments, Apple is set to expand its physical retail presence with the opening of its eighth store in Shanghai in early 2024, as reported by Jiemian. This will increase the company's total mainland store count to 46, solidifying its footprint in the Chinese market.