Apple’s iPhone Air Launches to Rapidly Sold-Out Success in China
Apple’s recent unveiling of the iPhone Air saw an instantaneous sell-out upon its release in China on Friday, defying the prevailing tariff squabble between Washington and Beijing.
The swift sell-out illustrates the device’s immense appeal among Chinese consumers, even in the face of fierce competition from Android alternatives.
This vigorous demand followed CEO Tim Cook’s strategic visit this week aimed at bolstering the product’s introduction in the world’s largest smartphone marketplace, all within the context of escalating geopolitical frictions between the two superpowers.
Cook serves as the chairman of an advisory committee at Tsinghua University’s management school.
During his stay, he engaged in discussions with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who leads China’s trade delegation currently negotiating with US officials over tariffs impacting Chinese exports.
Pre-sales for the iPhone Air, which utilizes exclusively e-SIM technology, commenced at 9 AM local time on Friday—over a month later than global counterparts.
Shortly after the reservation window opened, all physical retail locations in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as other prominent cities like Tianjin, reported that the device was completely sold out, as confirmed by Apple’s official website.
Online orders faced delays extending one to two weeks, as revealed by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.
This unwavering demand attests to the favorable reception of Apple’s latest and most slender model, notwithstanding the intensified rivalry from domestic brands such as Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi, both vying for a foothold in the premium market during challenging economic conditions.
Notably, the Chinese smartphone sector has contracted by 3 percent year-on-year in Q3, with Vivo capturing an 18 percent share to secure the lead. Huawei and Apple trailed closely behind with 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively, followed by Xiaomi and Oppo.
Cook has become a pivotal figure among US business leaders, actively engaging with both Chinese consumers and government officials.
On Thursday, he also met with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to deliberate on various topics, including bilateral economic and trade relations and Apple’s trajectory in China.
According to reports from the Post, the CEO conveyed Apple’s dedication to fostering relationships with China, supporting the country’s “high-quality development,” and enhancing collaboration between both nations—an endeavor he labeled crucial for global economic advancement.
In a post on his personal Weibo account, Cook announced Apple’s collaboration with Anzhen Hospital in Beijing, esteemed for its cardiological research, to investigate how Apple Watch users in China might utilize the device for potential cardiac monitoring.
Additionally, he declared a donation to Tsinghua University aimed at nurturing “the next generation of environmental leaders.”
Source link: Newsarenaindia.com.
