Apple Cuts iPhone 17 Prices in China Ahead of 618 Shopping Festival

Apple is cutting prices on the iPhone 17 lineup in China ahead of the country's annual 618 shopping festival, as competition in the premium smartphone market intensifies between Apple and Huawei, according to a report from the Global Times.



Starting this week, Apple reduced prices for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max by 1,000 yuan (roughly $138) across major Chinese e-commerce platforms. On JD.com, combining the direct discount with trade-in subsidies brings some iPhone 17 Pro models down to 6,999 yuan. This marks the lowest price for some iPhone 17 Pro models since the flagship series launched last fall. The standard iPhone 17 is also receiving its first major discount, dropping to 4,499 yuan after combined promotional offers. Similar 1,000-yuan direct reductions are currently available through Apple's official storefront on Alibaba's Taobao platform.


Store employees in Beijing confirmed that shoppers can combine the new discounts with trade-in subsidies and platform-specific promotions. Some customers reportedly wait for the May discount season before upgrading, especially with the 618 shopping festival approaching.

Huawei is also lowering prices on its high-end foldable devices. The company reduced the Mate X7 by 1,000 yuan, bringing the starting price down to 11,999 yuan, while older models like the Mate X6 are seeing cuts of up to 3,000 yuan. Both companies are offering 12-month interest-free installment plans to attract buyers. The simultaneous discounts arrive as platforms prepare for 618, a mid-year retail event originally launched by JD.com that has grown into one of China's biggest shopping periods for consumer electronics.

The pricing push comes at a notable time for Apple's executive leadership. CEO Tim Cook is currently visiting Beijing alongside other U.S. business leaders to meet with Chinese officials regarding trade and investment. Apple has increasingly relied on strategic promotions, including its Lunar New Year sale, to navigate growing local competition in China.

Despite the increasingly competitive market, the iPhone 17 lineup has continued to perform well in China. Recent data showed Apple's shipments in the country jumped 20 percent in the first quarter, driven largely by demand for the newest models. According to analysts cited by the Global Times, the premium smartphone battle in China is becoming increasingly concentrated between Apple and Huawei as both companies compete for replacement demand during the 618 shopping season.