Apple Joins Chinas Subsidy Program to Boost Sales Amidst Market Challenges

Apple has joined a governmental subsidy program in China aimed at bolstering its product sales amid fierce competition from local brands and a slowing economy, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Consumers in Beijing and Shanghai can now receive discounts of up to $280 on select devices from the American company, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook. This offer is limited to purchases made directly from Apple.

In Shanghai, customers must buy their products from one of the eight Apple retail stores in the city to qualify for the subsidy. Meanwhile, residents of Beijing can enjoy the discount when ordering online and providing a delivery address within the capital.

For iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch models priced below $840, buyers can receive a $70 discount. Some Mac models offer subsidies of up to $280.

Several Chinese e-commerce platforms have already provided Apple products with the ability to access subsidies. However, this announcement from Apple marks the first time the American company has offered discounts through its own retail channels as part of a government program.

Apple’s participation in the subsidy initiative is driven by anticipated declines in iPhone shipments to China, projected to drop by 1.9% by 2025. This downturn is attributed to intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers, particularly Huawei, along with the overall economic slowdown in the country.

The government’s electronics subsidy program launched on January 20, 2025, aims to make digital products more affordable for consumers.