Why this may be the right time to buy iPhones from China

If you're planning to buy an iPhone without breaking the bank, your best bet may be to find someone heading to China. Apple has reportedly boosted its trade-in discounts there, aiming to revive demand in a key market where its sales have recently taken a hit. According to a report by news agency Reuters, Apple is offering additional trade-in discounts for new iPhones in China until June 18.The company's website now advertises trade-in credits ranging from 1,325 yuan (approx. $184 or Rs 15,700) for an iPhone 12 to 5,700 yuan (approx. $790 or Rs 67,300) for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. For reference, a new iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at 7,999 yuan (approx Rs 94,600) in China. This follows a previous promotion in January during the Lunar New Year shopping season, which offered discounts of up to 500 yuan (approx. $69) on the iPhone 16 Pro.This initiative comes as Apple's market share in China saw a reduction to 13.7% in the March quarter of 2024, down from 15.6% in the same period last year, as per an IDC report. Shipments for the quarter also decreased to 9.8 million units from 10.8 million year-over-year, marking a 9% annual decline. Concurrently, domestic rival Xiaomi led the market with an 18.6% share, followed by Huawei (18%), Oppo (15.7%), and Vivo (14.4%). Xiaomi reported a 40% annual growth in shipments during the quarter ending March.The iPhone's position is further complicated by potential tariff changes under the Trump administration. China, the largest iPhone manufacturing hub globally, faces the highest tariffs, with India ranking as the second largest. While essential electronics have historically been exempt, US President Donald Trump has indicated that they could be subject to separate tariffs. As Apple diversifies its manufacturing operations by shifting production lines to India, Trump has threatened a 25% levy on iPhones produced outside the US. Historically, iPhones have not been manufactured in the US.