Taobao Marketplace Offers Discounts on iPhone 16 as AI Features Generate Hype in China
AI Features and Market Demand
Taobao Marketplace has begun discounting Apple’s new iPhone 16 series ahead of its official release in China. As consumer anticipation for on-device artificial intelligence (AI) software heightens, online retailers have started slashing prices of the iPhone 16 models, particularly on popular e-commerce platforms.
Pinduoduo and Alibaba Lead Discounts
- Pinduoduo lists the 512GB iPhone 16 Plus at 8,999 yuan (US$1,268), a 10% discount.
- Alibaba's Taobao offers a 4% discount on the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Initial demand appears soft, as pre-order sales for iPhone 16 are 13% lower than the previous year.
Competitive Landscape
Amidst intense competition from Huawei Technologies, which recently launched the Mate XT foldable smartphone, Apple faces potential market share loss in a fiercely competitive landscape. Researchers indicate that Apple has slipped from the top five smartphone vendors in China for the first time, raising concerns about its future position against domestic brands.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.