iPhone8 price "broken": online shop prices lower than the official 510
On September 24, the new iPhone 8 was released for three days, but this year’s consumer response seemed to have cooled down. Unlike past launches, there were no long queues outside Apple stores, and even online platforms had ample stock. Some customers reported receiving their phones within three hours of placing an order, while some e-commerce sites offered discounts as low as a few hundred yuan. Industry observers noted that the iPhone 8 didn’t bring much innovation compared to its predecessor, and with strong competition from both domestic and international brands, Apple is facing significant market challenges in China. It’s possible that Apple’s market share could continue to decline in the coming years.
The poor performance of the iPhone 8 can also be seen in the inventory levels on e-commerce platforms. On Tmall and JD.com, certain models like the 64GB iPhone 8 in gold were out of stock, while others were available for immediate purchase. However, some third-party shops on Taobao were selling the device at prices below the official retail price, a stark contrast to previous years when demand often drove up prices. One shop sold the 64GB iPhone 8 for 5,378 yuan—510 yuan less than the official price. Store owners said they had to lower prices due to reduced consumer enthusiasm.
This year, the so-called “iPhone buyers†weren’t as excited as before. With the market price dropping below the official rate, many who had pre-ordered or planned to resell the phone changed their minds and switched to buying from the open market. The usual crowd of resellers outside Apple stores was noticeably smaller. Many of them said they were more interested in the upcoming iPhone X rather than the iPhone 8.
In physical Apple stores, the situation was similarly subdued. At the Apple Store in Chaoyang Joy City, there were not many customers browsing the iPhones. Most people just played with the devices and didn’t make purchases. Some even asked about older models like the iPhone 7 or 6s, which were cheaper and offered similar features. A store employee mentioned that sales of the iPhone 8 were significantly lower than those of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, with only a few units sold on the launch day.
Apple stores around the world also saw fewer crowds than expected. In Sydney, Australia, only around 30 customers lined up at the entrance. Analysts like Zhang Jun from Rosenblatt Securities noted that the booking volume for the iPhone 8 was weak, especially in China. Even loyal Apple fans showed less interest, and many were waiting for the next generation, the iPhone X.
Experts suggest that Apple’s declining appeal in China is partly due to the rise of domestic brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and vivo, which now offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Additionally, operators are reducing subsidies for iPhones, making them less attractive to price-sensitive consumers. The iPhone 8’s higher price compared to local brands also hurt its competitiveness.
Apple’s financial performance in China has been weakening for six consecutive quarters. The latest report showed a 10% year-on-year drop in revenue in the Greater China region, marking the only area with negative growth. With rising production costs and a lack of major innovations, Apple may struggle to regain its former dominance in the Chinese market. Its other products, such as iPads and iPods, are also losing ground due to fierce competition and a lack of tailored user experience for Chinese consumers.
Multi-Port Type-C Charger,Desktop Usb Charging Station,Usb Fast Charging Station,TYPE-C Fast Charging Station
shenzhen ns-idae technology co.,ltd , https://www.best-charger.com