Apple’s iPhone Air Sells Out Swiftly in China Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Apple’s latest release, the iPhone Air, experienced an instantaneous sell-out upon its debut in China on Friday, defying the backdrop of the ongoing tariff conflict between Washington and Beijing.
This remarkable launch highlights the device’s allure among Chinese consumers, even in an ecosystem rife with Android alternatives.
The fervent sales surge followed an influential visit from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who sought to advocate for the product within the world’s most expansive smartphone market, amid a climate of geopolitical unease.
Notably, Cook serves as the chairman of an advisory body at Tsinghua University’s esteemed management school.
During his visit, he engaged with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, the head of China’s trade delegation currently in negotiations with the US aimed at resolving tariff issues affecting Chinese exports.
Pre-sales for the iPhone Air, which notably utilizes only e-SIM technology, commenced at 9 AM local time on Friday, arriving more than a month later than in other global markets.
Minutes post-launch, the device vanished from inventory across all physical outlets in Beijing, Shanghai, and cities like Tianjin, according to Apple’s official site. Furthermore, online deliveries are facing delays of one to two weeks, as reported by the South China Morning Post based in Hong Kong.
This impressive demand signifies a favorable reception for Apple’s most recent and sleek model within the Chinese marketplace, despite intensified competition from domestic brands such as Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi, which are ambitiously widening their presence in the premium segment of the market amidst a challenging economy.
Interestingly, the Chinese smartphone market contracted by 3% year-on-year during the third quarter, with Vivo seizing an 18% market share to secure the lead.
Huawei and Apple followed closely, capturing 16% and 15% shares respectively, trailed by Xiaomi and Oppo.
Amidst these dynamics, Cook has emerged as a prominent figure among American business leaders, actively forging connections with both Chinese consumers and government officials.
On Thursday, he also conferred with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, delving into various matters, including bilateral economic relations and Apple’s trajectory in China, as reported.
Cook articulated Apple’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with China, indicating contributions to the country’s trajectory towards high-quality development and fostering essential cooperation between the two nations for global economic advancement.
On his personal Weibo account, Cook disclosed that Apple is collaborating with Beijing’s Anzhen Hospital, well-regarded for its cardiological research, to investigate how users of the Apple Watch in China could potentially monitor cardiac health.
Additionally, he proclaimed a donation to Tsinghua University aimed at nurturing the forthcoming generation of environmental leaders. PTI
Source link: Communicationstoday.co.in.
