Chinese consumers have enthusiastically embraced Apple Inc's AAPL latest iPhone 15 series, defying earlier concerns about increased competition from Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd and a partial government ban on the company's products.
The response was so overwhelming that within the first 10 minutes of iPhone 15 pre-orders opening, Apple's official website in China crashed due to high demand.
The pre-orders on platforms like Alibaba Group Holding Limited's BABA Tmall and JD.com Inc JD have also been exceptionally strong, with the first batch of iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max handsets selling out in less than a minute, SCMP reports.
JD.com reported that its customers had placed over 3 million pre-orders for all four models of the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 emerged as the most popular premium model priced between 4,000 and 6,000 yuan on JD.com, followed by the iPhone 14 and 13.
Even among the competition, one Huawei Mate 40 model secured a place in the top rankings. In addition to traditional e-commerce channels, various on-demand service platforms like Meituan and Ele.me have also witnessed a surge in demand for the iPhone 15 series.
The strong sales come following the official launch of the iPhone 15 series in China, featuring design and function upgrades, improved cameras, and new colors.
The Pro and Pro Max models, equipped with the industry's first 3-nanometer chip and a titanium case, have garnered particular attention.
In comparison, Huawei's Mate 60 Pro, powered by a 7-nanometer chip, is priced at 6,999 yuan.
Despite some government agencies discouraging the use of iPhones in government buildings, demand for the high-end Pro Max models remains robust.
Analyst Kuo Ming-chi noted that demand for the two standard iPhone 15 models is similar to the previous year's. Apple plans to expand its presence in China by opening its eighth brick-and-mortar store in Shanghai in early 2024, bringing its total number of stores in the mainland to 46.
Price Action: AAPL shares traded higher by 0.31% at $178.53 on the last check Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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