Apple drops prices of iPhone XR for channel partners in China

Apple is trying to increase sales of the iPhone XR by cutting the prices of the handsets for its channel partners in China. 

Yahoo Finance reports that the cutting of purchase prices for channel partners allow the iPhone XR at lower prices for consumers in China. China’s National Daily claimed in a report earlier this week that distributor price cuts were also implemented for the other iPhone models including the iPhone XS and XS Max.  

A channel partner told Yahoo Finance the price of the iPhone XR has dropped from 5,980 yuan to 5,380 yuan. This is a price cut of about S$120. Third party distributors and retailers are offering additional discounts via $30 coupons.

Apple also tried other marketing strategies to boost sales of the iPhone XR. It promotes a trade-in discount of up to US$300 and several flagship aspects on the product page. 

The price cut comes weeks before Chinese New Year in early February, which could help boost iPhone sales in China. Apple CEO Tim Cook blamed the softer iPhone sales on the slowing Chinese economy although he revealed in an interview that the iPhone XR is the best selling model "every single day" since it started shipping to customers in late October. 

Source: Yahoo Finance via MacRumors