Apple’s latest release, the iPhone Air, has officially brought eSIM technology to China for the first time. Approved by regulators as part of a “commercial trial” involving China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, the device marks an important turning point in China’s telecom development.

The iPhone Air sold out within minutes of its release on Friday. According to Apple’s official website, retail stores are currently out of stock, and home delivery orders are delayed by about a week. Priced from RMB 7999, customers can buy it in three interest-free installments of RMB 2666 per month, with a limit of two units per person.

Domestic Brands Respond Quickly

Following Apple’s success, Chinese smartphone makers are moving fast. Oppo has introduced its Find X9 Pro with eSIM support, while Huawei is expected to launch its own version soon. This shows that Apple’s move is likely to accelerate eSIM adoption across China’s smartphone market.

What is eSIM and Why It Matters

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into the device. It allows users to store multiple mobile profiles, switch carriers easily, and eliminates the need for a physical SIM slot. This innovation makes devices thinner, lighter, and more water-resistant, one reason why the iPhone Air’s design is just 5.5 mm thick.

Carriers’ Different Strategies

Among China’s three major operators, China Unicom has been the most proactive in promoting eSIM services, having launched wearable eSIMs back in 2018. China Mobile and China Telecom have been more cautious, focusing on limited trials. After a temporary suspension in 2023 for “system upgrades,” all three carriers resumed eSIM activations alongside the iPhone Air’s release.

Early Trials and Limitations

Currently, eSIM use in China is still at a trial stage. Users must visit physical stores for activation and provide a government ID for real-name verification. Online self-activation is not yet available. Each iPhone Air supports two eSIM profiles, but foreign eSIMs cannot be activated in mainland China, limiting cross-border usage.

Balancing Innovation and Security

Experts note that while eSIMs make connectivity simpler, they also raise cybersecurity concerns. Authorities worry that digital SIMs could be used for unverified virtual numbers or illegal activities. For this reason, the government is keeping a close watch on how telecom operators manage eSIM infrastructure.

The launch of the iPhone Air is more than just a product release; it represents a step forward in China’s telecom modernization. It combines innovation with strong state oversight, aiming to balance convenience, competition, and national security. 

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3. iPhone Air Vanishes in Minutes: Sells Out Instantly in China

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iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever made, sold out within minutes of its official launch in China on Friday. The strong demand highlights the enduring popularity of Apple in one of its most important markets, even as competition from local smartphone brands grows.

Record-Breaking Launch Day

Pre-sales for the iPhone Air began at 9 a.m. local time after receiving Chinese regulatory approval. The model supports only e-SIM and was launched in China more than a month after most other countries. Online pre-orders opened at 8 p.m. on Apple’s Chinese website and major e-commerce platforms like JD.com and Tmall. All available units were gone by 8:05 p.m.

Physical Apple Stores in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin also saw long lines. Shipping for online orders has already been delayed by one to two weeks. Analysts estimate hundreds of thousands of units may have been sold during the first wave, though Apple has not released official figures.

Tim Cook’s High-Profile Visit

The successful launch followed a strategic visit to China by Apple CEO Tim Cook. During his trip, Cook met Vice-Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to discuss trade ties, Apple’s growth plans, and cooperation with local partners.

Cook also visited developers, suppliers, and universities, including Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management, where he announced a donation to support environmental leadership programs. His visit drew millions of views on Chinese social media, generating buzz ahead of the launch.

Product Features and Pricing

The iPhone Air is just 5.1 mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. It comes with the upgraded A18 chip, enhanced camera features, and improved battery life. It is priced at 5,999 yuan (around $845 USD), targeting consumers who prefer premium and lightweight smartphones.

Competitive Market Landscape

Apple currently holds a 15% market share in China, behind Vivo at 18% and Huawei at 16%. The overall smartphone market declined 3% year-on-year in Q3. Yet Apple’s strong launch performance signals loyal demand despite tough competition from Huawei’s foldable phones and Xiaomi’s AI-focused devices.

Strengthening Local Ties

Apple has also expanded investments in Chinese supply chains and announced new R&D centers, including a research lab in Shenzhen. It is working with Beijing Anzhen Hospital to use Apple Watch for heart health monitoring. These steps highlight Apple’s commitment to innovation and long-term growth in China.

The iPhone Air’s rapid sell-out proves Apple’s strong brand appeal in China. Backed by Tim Cook’s well-timed visit and growing local partnerships, Apple has managed to generate massive excitement and reinforce its position in a challenging, competitive market.

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First up today, Huawei’s jumping into the gaming ring with a mysterious new laptop. Spotted at ChinaJoy, this GT-branded beauty is turning heads. But can Huawei crack the competitive gaming market?

Meanwhile, Samsung’s premium Watch Ultra is losing more than just time – it’s shedding paint! At $649, you’d expect it to keep its coat on. Is this a one-off mishap or a sign of bigger issues?

But wait, there’s more! Xiaomi’s playing software Grim Reaper, adding a whopping dozen smartphones to their End-of-Life list. Is your device on the chopping block? We’ve got the full rundown of which phones are losing support.

And in a twist no one saw coming, Apple’s tumbled out of China’s smartphone top five. What’s behind this unexpected fall from grace in one of the world’s biggest markets?

All the juicy details on these stories are in today’s roundup below.

Huawei’s first gaming laptop leaks in real-life image

The 2024 ChinaJoy expo is currently in full swing with various brands announcing several new products — Lenovo Xiaoxin 12.5 tablet for instance. 

Huawei is one of the participants who made a surprise reveal of a new, yet-to-be-announced notebook at the event. Although the company hasn’t shared any details yet, the laptop features a “GT” logo on both the chassis and packaging. 

Read more

$649 Galaxy Watch Ultra’s paint starts peeling off after just days of use

Samsung‘s newly launched Galaxy Buds 3 Pro was pulled from sale due to major quality issues. Now the company’s latest and most premium watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, is also facing a paint peeling issue. The news comes from Reddit user bimmerb0ii.

Read more

Xiaomi adds nearly a dozen smartphones to End-of-Life (EoL) list, including Mi 10 and Redmi Note 10 line

Xiaomi has recently expanded its End-of-Life (EOL) list, ending software support for over a dozen smartphones across its Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco brands. This includes popular models like the Xiaomi Mi 10 series and the Redmi Note 10 lineup.

Read more

Apple stumbles in China, falls out of top five smartphone vendors

Apple has fallen out of the top five smartphone vendors in China for the first time since its rapid rise in the market. According to market research firm Canalys, iPhone shipments in China declined by 6.7% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024. 

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Apple is encountering challenges, as sales decline significantly in the crucial Chinese market. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently acknowledged the challenges posed by what he described as “the most competitive market in the world.”

The latest figures reveal a significant decline in iPhone sales both globally and specifically in Greater China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. Global iPhone revenue dropped by 10% in the first quarter, marking the most substantial decrease since late 2020. In Greater China, iPhone sales fell by 8% to $16.4 billion during the same period.

Apple’s market share in China’s smartphone market has been steadily decreasing, with iPhone sales plummeting by 19.1% in the first quarter alone. This decline has seen Apple slipping to the third position in the market, capturing 15.7% of the domestic market, behind competitors like Vivo and Honor.

Meanwhile, Huawei, Apple’s Chinese rival, has experienced a surge in smartphone sales, with a nearly 70% increase in the first quarter. Huawei’s market share now closely trails Apple’s at 15.5%, with the company’s net profit soaring by an impressive 564%.

Huawei’s success can be attributed in part to patriotic sentiment, particularly following the release of the Mate 60 series phones, powered by domestically produced chips. The latest Pura 70 series phones from Huawei, equipped with China-made processors, are posing significant competition to Apple’s iPhone 15 and 16 series.

Despite these challenges, Tim Cook expressed confidence in China’s long-term potential for Apple. The company is making substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI) development, with Cook hinting at an upcoming AI strategy reveal at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference scheduled for June.

While Apple’s financial performance saw a decline due to the slump in iPhone shipments, executives downplayed its significance, attributing it to difficult year-over-year comparisons. Analysts, however, raise concerns about Apple’s performance in China, where intense competition from Huawei is impacting iPhone shipments.

Apple remains heavily reliant on iPhone sales, contributing about 52% of its total revenues. Despite efforts to diversify, other product categories like Mac computers saw only modest growth, insufficient to offset the overall revenue decline.

In response to questions about the impact of investments in generative AI, Cook emphasized Apple’s focus on services, which saw significant growth in the March-ending quarter. However, questions linger about the ability of a hardware company like Apple to effectively monetize software features amidst fierce competition in the Chinese market.

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In the latest fiscal year, Apple has taken significant strides in expanding its supplier base, with a notable focus on mainland China. This is the first time since 2021 that Apple has added more suppliers from China. This development comes as a surprise amidst the ongoing US-China tech war and the continued imposition of sanctions by the US on various Chinese entities.

Apple has added 8 new suppliers from mainland China while removing 4, highlighting the country’s significance in its supply chain. With 157 contractors operating in mainland China, representing over a third of its disclosed suppliers, Apple reaffirms its reliance on the region for manufacturing and assembly.

Among the newly added mainland Chinese suppliers are industry leaders such as Baoji Titanium Industry and San’an Optoelectronics. Baoji Titanium Industry, based in Shaanxi, specializes in alloy manufacturing, while San’an Optoelectronics, located in Xiamen, supplies mini-LED chips for Apple’s premium products like the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro.

While mainland China remains dominant, Apple is actively diversifying its manufacturing footprint by increasing production in South and Southeast Asia. The addition of Tata Electronics from India to Apple’s supplier list highlights the company’s commitment to broadening its global supplier network.

Apart from China, Taiwan, Japan, Norway, and India have contributed to Apple’s supplier network. This strategic approach ensures resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges and strengthens Apple’s ability to meet global demand.

Carbon Neutrality Pledges by Apple Suppliers

A notable development is the commitment of some supply chain partners to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, aligning with Apple’s sustainability goals. This underscores Apple’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting responsible practices across its supply chain.

Apple expects its supply chain partners to align with its mission, including commitments to carbon neutrality and ethical standards. Non-compliant partners risk losing their partnership with Apple, emphasizing the importance of shared values and responsible business practices.

Tighter export controls on China, driven by regulatory changes, pose potential challenges for Apple’s operations. However, the company remains committed to compliance with trade regulations and adapting to geopolitical dynamics to ensure seamless supply chain management.

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In the first quarter of 2024, Apple encountered significant hurdles in the Chinese smartphone market. Despite a global increase in smartphone shipments, Apple experienced a sharp 19% decline in iPhone sales in China, marking its lowest performance since 2020. This downturn led to a drop in market share from 19.7% to 15.7% compared to the previous year, pushing Apple to third place behind Vivo and Honor.

The decline in iPhone sales can be attributed to various factors. Notably, a government ban on using Apple devices by employees impacted the company’s sales. Additionally, Huawei Technologies’ resurgence posed a formidable challenge. Huawei’s sales soared by an impressive 69.7%, driven by the successful launch of its high-end Mate 60 series. This surge catapulted Huawei to fourth place in market share, capturing 15.5% of the market.

Furthermore, subdued demand for Apple devices contributed to the decline. Despite efforts to entice consumers with discount campaigns and subsidies of up to 1,300 yuan ($180), Apple struggled to maintain its foothold in the competitive Chinese market.

Looking ahead, there are signs of potential improvement for Apple in the second quarter of 2024. Analysts at Counterpoint Research suggest a possible shift in momentum for iPhones, fueled by the introduction of new color options and aggressive sales initiatives.

All eyes are now on Apple’s upcoming earnings report on May 2, where investors anticipate insights into the company’s strategies to address the challenges in China. Apple’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial as it navigates the dynamic landscape of the Chinese smartphone market.

As Apple contends with fierce competition and regulatory challenges, its response in the coming months will shape its trajectory in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The company’s resilience and strategic decisions will be closely monitored by industry observers and consumers alike.

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During his appearance at the China Development Forum in Beijing, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., praised Chinese suppliers for their innovative strides toward achieving carbon neutrality goals. The forum, hosted by the Chinese government and attended by Premier Li Qiang and over 80 foreign business executives, served as a platform for Cook to highlight Apple’s commitment to China amidst market challenges and global economic shifts.

Cook emphasized the pivotal role played by Chinese suppliers in Apple’s journey towards carbon neutrality, lauding their active participation and inventive approaches. Despite acknowledging Apple’s struggles in the Chinese market, including declining iPhone sales and intensified competition from local rivals like Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, Cook reiterated the tech giant’s long-term commitment to development in China.

During discussions with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Cook reaffirmed Apple’s dedication to deepening its foothold in China, emphasizing ongoing investments in research, development, and the supply chain. He also underscored the criticality of China’s supply chain to Apple’s operations, recognizing the country’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce.

In line with efforts to diversify its geographic footprint, Apple announced plans to expand its research center in Shanghai and establish a new applied research lab in Shenzhen. These initiatives aim to enhance testing and research capabilities for key products while fostering partnerships with Chinese suppliers.

Despite challenges posed by economic downturns and strained Sino-American relations, Cook expressed optimism about Apple’s future in China. He acknowledged the necessity of maintaining a positive relationship with the Chinese Communist Party while navigating dependencies on Chinese manufacturing.

Cook’s remarks at the China Development Forum underscore Apple’s strategic balancing act between leveraging China’s manufacturing excellence and addressing the need for supply chain diversification. As Apple continues to navigate market complexities, its engagement with China reflects a commitment to long-term growth and innovation in one of the world’s largest economies.

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With Huawei making a strong return in its home market of China, Apple saw a decline in demand in the region. But it seems like this has presented a great opportunity for local brands, especially Xiaomi, which saw a sizeable rise in market value during this same period.

Apple’s decline in China boosts Xiaomi’s market value

With the Cupertino based giant’s recent dip, local Android smartphone makers are winning both customers and investors in the region. Following a June low, the Xiaomi Corp managed to gain 20 billion US Dollars in market value. The notable rise was accredited to its recent smartphone launches, expansion into electric vehicles, and various other businesses.

The Chinese tech giant’s stock rose by more than 60 percent, making it the best performer on the Hang Seng Tech Index. Xiaomi isn’t the only company taking advantage of Apple’s fall. Chinese Android phone brands are capitalizing on the gap in demand left by the iPhone maker. The Xiaomi 14 series is a major factor in the company’s recent growth. The lineup has received over one million orders since its announcement back in October. This is similar to Huawei’s performance in the last couple of months.

According to Gokul Hariharan, an analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co, “We believe there is a trading opportunity in the next six months with smartphone and AIoT growth turnarounds and early expectations building for Xiaomi’s electric vehicle foray.” Similarly, Counterpoint Research noted that “Xiaomi is the only top five smartphone brand to see shipment increases both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year in 3Q 2023 as it strengthened its positions in key markets such as China and India.”

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Apple’s dominance on the App Store is more at risk than ever. We had mentioned to you recently that the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, had discussions with the European Union about this and was trying to find common ground. However, the EU isn’t the only entity threatening the American tech giant’s control over its app marketplace.

China is also pushing Apple with its crackdown on unregistered foreign apps. But, of course, just like in the EU, the company’s initial response is to turn to diplomacy. In line with this, Apple has expressed concerns to Chinese officials over new rules that would ban unregistered foreign apps from its App Store. Here are the details…

Apple Presses Diplomacy Over China’s Foreign App Crackdown

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple has expressed concerns to Chinese officials over new rules that would ban unregistered foreign apps from its App Store. The new rules are part of China’s ongoing efforts to increase oversight of smartphone and mobile app usage in the country.

The rules would require mobile app stores and mobile apps to file details of their businesses with the government, including their ownership structure, data storage practices, and security measures. Apps that do not comply with the rules would be banned from the App Store. Apple is concerned that the new rules would prevent it from offering many of the popular foreign apps that are currently available in the App Store in China.

These apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. Apple is also concerned that the new rules would give the Chinese government more control over its users’ data. Apple has reportedly met with Chinese officials several times in recent months to discuss the new rules. The company has argued that the rules would violate its privacy and security commitments to its users. Apple has also said that the rules would make it difficult for it to offer new and innovative apps to its Chinese users.

It is unclear how the Chinese government will respond to Apple’s concerns. However, the company’s public stance against the new rules could put it at odds with the Chinese government. Apple is a major player in the Chinese smartphone market, and its App Store is the only way for most Chinese users to download foreign apps.

If Apple is forced to comply with the new rules, it could lead to a significant reduction in the number of foreign apps available to Chinese users. This could have a negative impact on the Chinese tech industry, as many foreign apps are popular among Chinese consumers. The new rules are also likely to raise concerns among human rights groups and privacy advocates.

It remains to be seen how the Chinese government will implement the new rules and whether Apple will be able to continue offering its full range of apps in China.

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There are indications that Apple could review downwards its production targets due to COVID-19 curbs affecting its China operations. Sources point to a possible decline of up to 30% at one of the world’s biggest factories in Zhengzhou next month. The impact of the slump is however being mitigated by Foxconn in boosting production at another facility in Shenzhen.

The Foxconn Zhengzhou plant has over 200,000 workers but has endured some stringent measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. This led to several workers fleeing the site a few days back. This comes at a time when demand for electronics is traditionally on an upward swing. Foxconn in an official statement on October 30, said it was bringing the situation under control. It also says it will coordinate backup production with other plants to reduce any potentially damaging impact.

As of this moment, Apple has not made any official statement on the issue. Foxconn is Apple’s biggest iPhone vendor and its share price declined by 1.4% at the close on Monday. Foxconn accounts for up to 70% of global iPhone shipments annually. Foxconn’s iPhone production accounts for up to 45% of the overall revenue of the Taiwanese manufacturer. Foxconn has production facilities in India but the Zhengzhou plant is its largest.

Although production continues in the plant, it is under strict COVID-19 protocols put in place to quell any major outbreak.
The measures in place in the factory include full-scale lockdowns. Even when factories in such areas are allowed to be open, they must operate under a closed-loop system that prevents workers from their regular work routines, as they must live in the facility. The company also banned dining inside canteens as workers were expected to eat in their dormitories. These heavy measures resulted in some workers allegedly fleeing from the facility.

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Apple is shifting its iPad production to Vietnam from China. Publication Nikkei Asia claims that this is the first time ever the Cupertino based giant has done this. Ever since COVID-19 along with lockdowns came into existence, China has been facing mass factory closures. This has caused supply chain disruptions for many OEMs.

Around half of Apple’s main suppliers are around the Shanghai region. COVID-related restrictions have resulted in shortages and logistic delays causing the iPad production to be hit. The company is reportedly working to resolve the issue. China’s BYD, a leading iPad assembler helped Apple build production lines in Vietnam and can soon start manufacturing tablets there. The Cupertino-based tech giant has also suggested multiple components suppliers (especially in lockdown affected areas) to stock up their inventories against future shortages and supply chain issues. 

Apple has also requested suppliers to build component supplies for the brand’s all products including iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and MacBooks. This will ensure supply continuity over the next few months. 

A report by Nikkei in January 2021 stated that Apple long considered manufacturing iPads outside China but a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in Vietnam delayed the company’s plans. 

The iPad will become the second major Apple product to be made in Vietnam after the company’s AirPods. The move hints at Apple’s continuous efforts at diversifying its supply chains as well as the importance of Vietnam to the company. 

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Apple is considering to slowly diversify its manufacturing for export to countries like India and South Asia. The company, which has been increasingly dependent on Chinese facilities such as Foxconn, Pegatron, etc., for manufacturing its diverse portfolio, has decided to make this slow shift in the post-pandemic period.

Apple has instructed its manufacturing partners to perform more NPI (New Product Introduction), which is a preliminary stage of mass production work in which contractors translate a brand’s product blueprints and prototypes into a precise manufacturing plan outside of China, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The company was thinking of making this geographic change for some time now but the pandemic had posed a hurdle. The recent developments in Shanghai which have led to further strict lockdowns have intensified the resolve to diversify. Another reason for this move is the increasing tensions between U.S and China relations and the travel restrictions between the two countries.

India and Vietnam are being considered as major alternatives to China. The countries already account for a small portion of Apple’s global manufacturing. Foxconn, Apple’s manufacturing partner has already set up facilities in India to help make iPhones for the Indian market. Apple is now talking with its various suppliers to set up manufacturing hubs in India for export.

However, China will still be the most prominent manufacturing hub for Apple due to various factors such as a well-trained workforce, low costs relative to the U.S., and a deep network of parts suppliers that are hard to recreate elsewhere without years of effort.

The shift to alternate manufacturing hubs will be slow and they will serve as a manufacturing hub for new product categories such as AR headsets, etc., predominantly. The upcoming months will shed more light on how Apple will lead this diversification.

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The Apple Watch Series 7 orders go live in China starting from 8th October 2021 and will officially be available released on October 15. Although, pre-orders for the latest smartwatch from the company is currently available via JD.com, a known Chinese e-retailer.

For those unaware, the Watch Series 7 is the latest wearable product from the Cupertino based giant. It has been listed on JD.com, with pre-orders being live for a starting price of 2,999 Yuan (roughly 465 US Dollars). The Watch Series 7 is available in two size options, namely a 41mm and 45mm model, and feature IP6X water and dust resistance rating. It sports a Retina LTPO OLED capacitive touchscreen screen, which is protected by Ion-X strengthened glass.

The new Watch Series 7 was first launched back in September 2021 and will be available in China in five new color variants, including Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, and Red, along with a number of new strap colors and watch faces as well. It also offers features like Always on display, accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (3rd gen), barometer, always on altimeter, compass, SpO2, and VO2max. It is built using glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, and an aluminum frame.

The Apple Watch Series 7 arrives with similar sensors and processors as its predecessor, the Watch Series 6 but runs on the latest watchOS 8 interface. It also boasts a battery life of an impressive 18 hours of normal use on a single full charge through its USB Type C port over the last gen’s USB Type A connector.

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Investment bank Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives believes that iPhone 13 orders are already about 20% ahead of Apple‘s earlier iPhone 12 lineup due to high volumes of pre-orders in China. He says that iPhone 13 demand looks “robust out of the gates,” as China approaches the 5 million or 6 million pre-orders mark. Despite supply chain issues, Apple could witness better results than iPhone 12 launch last year.

The analyst, in conversation with AppleInsider, also highlights that a major chunk of iPhone orders is skewing toward the premium models like the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, which will help Apple end up averaging higher ASP (average selling price). As a result of this, Apple may continue to maintain its lead with an even bigger margin this time. Ives also believes that luring financing options and aggressive trade-ins could also play a role in swaying iPhone owners who may be considering an upgrade.

Wedbush supply checks hint that iPhone 13 orders appear to be in the 90 million unit range which is higher than the 80 million units that we witnessed for iPhone 12. Apple may further set iPhone unit builds somewhere between 130-150 million if things continue to unfold the way it has so far. The iPhone 13 lineup is on an exponential trajectory and has already registered a 10% build increase YoY right away.

The analyst has a strong belief in his “super-cycle” thesis and that it will do well in 2022. According to this, an estimated 250 million out of 975 million iPhone devices are in line for an upgrade. Ives hasn’t altered his outperform rating for Apple and his 12-month price target of $185 which has been formulated based on a sum-of-the-part valuation on his Apple 2022 estimates.

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[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP-7v6EB5Co[/embedyt]

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We reported yesterday that the iPhone 13 series will be announced on September 14 at a global event that will be live-streamed. Apple has now revealed the date the new phones will launch in China.

The iPhone 13 series will be unveiled in China on Wednesday, September 15, a day after the global launch. The event will also be live-streamed on Apple.com.

Apple is currently the fifth biggest manufacturer in China, however, its market share should increase once the new iPhone 13 series goes on sale. Sales of the new phones should also see it retain its lead of the premium smartphone category which sits at 66% according to a Counterpoint report for the month of July.

Ahead of the release of the new iPhones, Apple already slashed the price of the iPhone 12 in China. The 128GB version received a price cut of ¥2000 (~$310) last week. We expect Apple will announce new prices for its older phones at the event next week.

Other than the iPhone 13 series, Apple will also announce the Apple Watch Series 7, new iPads, and the AirPods 3. There are also reports that new MacBooks will be unveiled at the event.

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Recently, it was reported that Apple had activated several in-house and external strategies to curtail the embarrassing leaks of its unreleased products. While the Cupertino-based company has secured convictions for some of its employees who accessed and divulged unauthorized information, it has also put several security protocols to cut to zero the leak of its trade secrets.

However, it seems Apple is getting more assertive in its efforts, gong by the recent legal cease and desist notice sent to yet another leaker in China. A Weibo user posted a letter from Apple China’s legal representative, Fangda Partners warning the tipster to desist from publishing and disseminating information about Apple iPhone prototypes. What makes this interesting is that Apple gave the alleged leaker 14 days to respond to the allegation of unauthorized release of Apple’s trade secrets. More surprising is that the US firm wants the leaker to disclose the sources of the leaked prototypes.

It is unclear what would be the next step for Apple whether the issue may escalate to a court case. However, the impact of the seemingly effective Apple strategy is being noticed, as some known tipsters are gradually cleaning their stables and going incommunicado on Twitter. This action could also lead to actions on Weibo. Apple, therefore, seems to be progressively winning the battle, as fewer tipsters have taken the risk to mention a product leak that will bring Apple’s legal representative to such a person.

(via)

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At WWDC 2021, Apple announced a new privacy feature that would better protect the users’ data when browsing on the internet. However, the Privacy Relay feature will not be available in China, which is a major market for the company.

For those unaware, the Cupertino based giant has just held its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday (7th June 2021) where it revealed “Privacy Relay.” This feature lets one browse the internet through Safari while their data being sent through two separate servers to better hide the users’ identity and prevent tracking of their online activity like which sites they are visiting. In other words, even the iPhone maker or the users’ network provider cannot see that data.

Essentially, this feature is a bit similar in function to a VPN (virtual private network), which is something used quite often in China to get around the Great Firewall in the region that lets the government block various websites from being accessed. But now, an Apple spokesperson told CNBC that the Private Relay feature will not be arriving in users in China. Furthermore, the feature will also skip certain other regions like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Belarus, and even Uganda.

The company stated that the reason it is not launching the feature in the aforementioned countries is due to local laws. At the moment, the use of VPN to access blocked websites in China is illegal. Since the new Privacy Relay feature works in a similar manner, the brand could face trouble with the local authorities. Back in 2017, Apple even removed a number of VPN apps from its App Store to comply with the laws in the region.

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The Apple TV is apparently set for an imminent launch in China. The company has reportedly received the required regulatory approval to official release in Mainland China as per new reports.

According to a Weibo blogger, a Chinese microblogging website, @Voooolks (Via MacRumors) the Cupertino based giant has received approval from China’s State Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film, and Television to launch the Apple TV in the country. The news arrives after the iPhone maker was recently rumored that the product was under review by the state agency. Furthermore, the launch in China is set to arrive just a week after the company announced the new and more powerful Apple TV.

For those unaware, the brand announced the latest iteration of its product with the more powerful A12 Bionic chipset and a redesigned TV remote. Notably, China has strict rules regarding the flow of content within its borders. Thus, international firms that wish to sell to Chinese customers need to adhere to strict regulations and follow the local law agencies. So, if the Apple TV launches in the region, it would be limited in functionality apart from its basic features.

Additionally, content available on the platform would also be different as popular channels and applications like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and other online streaming services are not available in the region due to local law. But despite the limited scope, the company aims to expand its user base in the region, which CEO Tim Cook believes is an increasingly important market.

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Apple’s iPhone 12 became the world’s top-selling 5G smartphone in just two weeks of its launch. Now, a report by Digitimes says that the entire iPhone 12 series has helped Apple gain a huge market share in China for Q4 2020.

According to the report, the iPhone 12 series’s sales in China has exceeded the expectations during Q4 2020. If you recall, right from the launch, the iPhone 12s have been under demand in China. The initial waiting period was from five to six days for iPhone 12 while it was several weeks for iPhone 12 Pro. However, the company has overcome this and shipped nearly 18 million units in Q4.

That said, the reasons for demand on Apple’s iPhone 12 series were ranging from power management chips for iPhone 12 to the  IC shortages for the 12 Pro variants. Still, Apple’s strong foothold on the Chinese soil is reportedly due to the adoption of 5G which is already mainstream in the country.

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China’s market has faced the maximum of ups and downs in the horrific 2020 year. Apple is no exception to this. It began the year by selling just less than 500K phones during February 2020. Cut back to Q2, it witnessed a 225% growth and sold 13 million iPhones despite the HUAWEI’s domination.

Now, the situation of sales and market share seems to be totally under its control as the report says the market share of Apple has gone above 20% in Q4. We have to give it up to Apple here as it has managed to battle tough local players like Xiaomi and HUAWEI. If the  Digitimes’ report is to be believed, the situation will further improve going into Q1 of 2021.

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Recently, we had reported on the Trump administration banning the WeChat app, a popular Chinese social media platform. This new US sanction would force Apple to remove the app from its App Store, which was expected to cause it to lose a significant part of its sales in China. Now, a new report reveals that Apple plans to push back on the ban while a survey found that 95 percent of Chinese users would rather give up iPhone than lose WeChat.

At the moment, it is unknown if the ban on the WeChat app is strictly restricted to just the US App Store or the global one. Tencent, the parent company of WeChat, stated that it believed that the ban is only applicable in the US but is seeking clarity. The cause for this unsure atmosphere around the new order is due to its vague working, which states banning any transaction related to WeChat.

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According to a Bloomberg survey, 95 percent of the 1.2 million Chinese Apple users said that they would rather switch to an Android device than use an iPhone without WeChat. A HongKong user stated that banning WeChat would make an iPhone into “electronic trash.” Another stated that his “family in China are all used to WeChat and all our communication is on the platform.”

A Wall Street Journal report also revealed that over a dozen companies including Apple, Ford, Walmart, and Disney are pushing back against the ban. In a call to the White House, the known brands detailed the adverse consequences that a ban on WeChat would have on their businesses. With WeChat being used to payments, e-commerce and marketing as well, Tencent stated that any device without it would be “extremely hard to sell” in China.

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According to a new report, Apple is set to partner with a Chinese manufacturer to meet the booming demand of its AirPods Pro wireless earphones. The move occurred, despite the US-China trade tensions, due to surging demand for the wireless earphone units. Notably, Apple is known to have lobbied against the tariffs that are imposed on Chinese manufactured products.

The Cupertino-based company has reportedly turned towards a Luxshare-ICT to double the production of the AirPods Pro earphones at its Chinese facility. The production units will see an increase to 2 million units a month. Furthermore, Apple has also asked another Chinese company by the name of GoerTek to boost production at their Vietnam-based factories for the base AirPods variant, the world’s best-selling wireless earbuds.

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The news of Apple’s sudden shift towards an increased production in China is accredited to the fact that such companies can meet the booming demand for extra production while maintaining strict quality control. The AirPods already have a 45% share of the wireless earbud market which will see further growth owing to increased productivity.

Apple’s increased production from 1 million units to 2 million for the Pro variant will be produced at two Luxshare factories in mainland China owing to increasing demand. Notably, this is a step away from its usual suppliers such as Taiwan’s Foxconn, Quanta Computer and Inventec. According to an Apple supplier, Luxshare has a “wolflike” aggressive tendency for meeting the required goals under the deadline. Hence, the sudden requirement for

The Chinese-made AirPods will be levied the trade tariffs due to the ongoing US-China trade disputes; however, both countries are also “very close” to a phase one trade deal, according to a Chinese news outlet. This move from the American tech giant also threatens the position of its previous suppliers that aim to stay competitive.

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(Source)

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Apple unveiled a new, thinner, lighter tablet called the “iPad Air”. The iPad Air weighs just 1 pound (0.45 kg), compared with 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) for the previous version. Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller called the tablet a “screaming fast iPad.” He said it is eight times faster than the original iPad that came out in 2010.

The iPad Air will go on sale Nov 1 and start at US$499 for a model with 16 gigabytes of memory. According to Apple official website of China recently released information about the new iPad Air, iPad Air WiFi version will be ready to pre-order starting at 8:00 on October 30 onwards. Then the user will get their stuff on November 1st to the Apple store for pickup.

And for first-time users of the Apple iPad, Apple will not only organize free tutorial in the store, but also according to the user's preferences and private settings service. Such as setting up email and how to enable iCloud account, as well as to help users download applications from the App Store.

Apple will offers the four version of iPad Air such as; 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB with price, respectively 3588/4288/4988/5688 yuan or around $590/$705/$820/$935 USD price tag. Apple Hong Kong is also open the pre-order purchase starting on October 30 and the buyer will get their iPad on November 1st.

However, Apple's warranty policy for iPad Air seems yet to be announced, so buy Hong Kong version is able to warranty service is still unknown. In addition, Apple has also announced the official website of the United States, consumers can at eight in the morning on November 1 to Apple retail stores to buy iPad Air, and this time was earlier than the regular business hours.

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For spreading Apple products support, Apple has been launched the Technical Support Forum for Chinese consumers, the iPhone maker updated its online support forums to handle the native language.

Members of the service were told they could begin localizing their apps for Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese, along with several other languages.

Both the App Store and the Mac App Store are in 155 countries with 40 languages. However, some developers we talked to expressed concern over Apple’s push for software localization, mostly citing cost concerns.

Just before the call for app localization, Apple unveiled a version of the Chinese Support Communities forum, an effort to permit local users to submit questions and provide answers written in their local language.

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