Apple Boosts iPhone Trade-In Deals to Tempt China Buyers
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| Apple raises iPhone trade-in prices in China to boost sales and compete with Huawei |
In a strategic move to reignite smartphone sales in a vital market, Apple Inc. has increased its iPhone trade-in values in China, aiming to boost demand and compete with domestic rivals like Huawei. This comes amid rising economic headwinds and fierce competition in the world’s largest smartphone market.
A Targeted Strategy to Regain Momentum
Apple announced this week that it will offer significantly higher trade-in prices for select iPhone models when customers upgrade to newer devices like the iPhone 15. The promotional campaign, which runs until early June, is seen as a direct response to growing competition and a slowing economy in China.
According to Apple's official Chinese website, customers trading in older models can now receive up to 2,300 yuan (about $320), a notable increase compared to previous offers.
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This move is expected to particularly appeal to price-sensitive consumers who are looking for cost-effective ways to upgrade their devices. Apple is betting on this initiative to stabilize its market position after several quarters of declining sales in the region.
The Growing Pressure from Huawei
One of the main drivers behind Apple's strategic adjustment is the growing strength of Huawei. After being impacted by U.S. sanctions in recent years, Huawei has made a strong comeback, notably with its Mate 60 Pro, which has been gaining popularity thanks to its advanced chip technology and patriotic appeal in China.
In the last quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China dropped by 24%, according to Counterpoint Research, while Huawei saw an increase in demand, reclaiming market share lost during its years of U.S. restrictions.
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Apple’s trade-in push is also seen as a way to undercut Huawei’s pricing strategy, offering users a more affordable entry point to Apple’s ecosystem.
China's Importance in Apple’s Global Strategy
China is not just another market for Apple — it's one of its largest and most crucial markets globally. In fiscal 2023, Apple generated more than $72 billion from Greater China, accounting for nearly 19% of its total revenue. A slowdown in China could have ripple effects on Apple’s global performance.
According to Bloomberg, analysts believe Apple’s new trade-in scheme is part of a broader strategy to preserve brand loyalty in China, where consumer preferences are rapidly evolving.
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Moreover, Apple has invested heavily in China over the years, not only in retail stores but also in supplier relationships and manufacturing. Preserving its foothold in China is essential for maintaining global supply chain stability.
Promotional Timing and Limited Duration
Apple's trade-in offer in China is time-sensitive. Running from May 20 to June 3, it coincides with the mid-year shopping festival known as 618, a major e-commerce event in China. This timing is no coincidence — it aims to capture the attention of millions of online shoppers looking for deals during one of the country's largest retail bonanzas.
Learn more about the significance of China’s 618 Shopping Festival.
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Local Competitors Are Not Slowing Down
Beyond Huawei, Apple also faces fierce competition from Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo — all of which have rolled out flagship devices with competitive pricing and innovative features. These brands often appeal more directly to younger consumers through aggressive marketing and localized features like WeChat optimization or dual-SIM support.
Apple’s closed ecosystem, while premium and secure, can be a limiting factor in a market that values flexibility and customization. Enhancing the affordability of entry into this ecosystem through trade-in bonuses may be a necessary compromise.
Check out our comparison of iPhone 15 vs Xiaomi 14 Pro in the Chinese smartphone market.
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Potential Benefits and Long-Term Impacts
The current trade-in campaign may help Apple in multiple ways:
- Inventory turnover – Encouraging upgrades helps Apple clear out older models.
- Increased user retention – Offering better value reinforces user loyalty.
- Data collection – Older phones returned to Apple can be refurbished or recycled, reducing e-waste and supporting sustainability initiatives.
The trade-in initiative also supports Apple’s environmental goals, including its plan to become carbon neutral across its entire supply chain by 2030.
Read about Apple’s environmental progress.
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Analysts Remain Cautious
Despite these efforts, market analysts are split on the impact of Apple’s latest move. Some view it as a smart, targeted effort to retain premium positioning while others believe it may not be enough to reverse the downward trend in iPhone sales in China.
“While the trade-in bump might increase short-term sales, it doesn't solve the bigger problem of declining interest among Chinese consumers in iPhones,” said Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected Apple analyst at TF International Securities, in an interview with MacRumors.
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Apple may need to combine pricing incentives with deeper integration of Chinese-centric features and local partnerships to truly reignite demand.
Conclusion: Apple’s Balancing Act in China
Apple’s boosted trade-in program is more than just a discount campaign — it's a carefully crafted strategy to regain momentum in a highly competitive and geopolitically sensitive market. Whether it succeeds depends on how well Apple can adapt to local consumer needs while maintaining its premium brand image.
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For now, consumers in China benefit from an opportunity to get more value out of their old devices. But for Apple, the true challenge lies in the months ahead — can it turn this promotional effort into sustained growth?
