In a surprising move for the tech giant, the new iPhone Air price drop has taken center stage in China, with major online retailers Tmall and JD.com offering substantial discounts. While price adjustments on Apple products after the new year are not uncommon, the scale of this reduction on a flagship model is significant. The device, which launched in mid-October to initial success, has seen its popularity plummet, forcing Apple to approve discounts of up to $415 to stimulate sales.
Why the iPhone Air Price Drop Was Inevitable
Apple’s official store on Tmall initiated a promotional campaign slashing the iPhone Air’s price by 2,000 yuan (approximately $286). This brings the final cost down to 5,499 yuan (about $788), a notable decrease from its $999 starting price in the United States. Not to be outdone, China’s largest e-commerce platform, JD.com, launched a similar offer. With an added trade-in bonus, the total discount can reach an impressive 2,900 yuan (around $415). These massive price cuts clearly indicate that Apple’s experiment with a premium “thin smartphone” has not met market expectations.
It didn’t take long for consumers to realize that the iPhone Air’s high price tag wasn’t justified by its features. While the device boasts an impressive hardware combination with the A19 Pro processor and 12 GB of RAM, its compromises were too significant for many users. The single main camera configuration and a small 3,149 mAh battery proved to be major disappointments. Although Apple attempted to compensate for the small battery with iOS software optimizations, the iPhone Air lagged behind competitors like the Galaxy S25 Edge in endurance tests. This outcome demonstrates that software can only go so far in making up for hardware deficiencies.
Apple’s Future Plans Despite Setback
Data reveals that the iPhone Air holds the unfortunate record for the highest depreciation rate among all iPhone models released since 2022. The device lost a staggering 47.7% of its original value within the first 10 weeks of its release. Despite this negative performance, Apple has not given up on the concept. Reports suggest the company is already working on a second-generation version that will feature two main cameras, though without a major design overhaul.
Furthermore, Apple is expected to adopt a completely different launch strategy for the successor. The iPhone Air 2 is reportedly planned for a spring 2027 release. Even as the company continues to invest in this form factor, analysts predict that the production volume for the new model will likely be significantly lower than other iPhones. For now, consumers in China have the opportunity to purchase a feature-rich iPhone at a substantial discount.
So, what are your thoughts on the iPhone Air’s performance? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
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