Introduction
Think of China’s 618 Shopping Festival as a massive online sale party where millions shop in just days. It’s like a mid-year holiday for shoppers and brands alike.
This year, Apple is joining with big trade-in discounts to boost iPhone sales. Like a car dealer offering deals to trade old models for new ones, Apple wants customers to upgrade their phones at lower prices.
With growing competition from local brands and slower sales, Apple needs this festival to win back buyers in China — one of its key markets. The 618 Festival is more than just a sale; it’s a chance for Apple to regain its edge.
Quick Overview – What You Need to Know
Trade-in program gives users extra credit when exchanging old iPhones for new ones.
Promotion runs until June 18, aligning with the 618 Shopping Festival peak.
iPhone 15 series targeted as Apple aims to push its flagship line in China.
Competition intensifies from Chinese brands offering advanced features at lower prices.
Apple adds financing options, localized campaigns, and rare discounts.
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Apple’s 618 Trade-In Strategy
Apple’s latest promotional push is tailored for China’s massive 618 Shopping Festival. This sales event, launched by JD.com and now adopted across platforms like Tmall and Pinduoduo, brings billions in online and offline retail revenue.
Apple’s trade-in offer allows users to swap older iPhones for added credit toward a new device purchase, effectively lowering prices and making upgrades more accessible.
According to Apple’s official website, the promotion is available from May 20 to June 18, 2025. It applies to a range of iPhones, including the iPhone X through iPhone 14, encouraging users to switch to the latest iPhone 15 series.
techovedas.com/95-million-apple-to-pay-over-allegations-of-siri-eavesdropping
Fighting Off Local Rivals
Apple’s iPhone sales have been under pressure in China. In Q1 2025, Apple’s market share dropped to 15%, down from 17% the previous year, according to Counterpoint Research. Meanwhile, Huawei’s smartphone sales surged after the launch of its Mate 60 series, powered by domestically developed 7nm chips.
To compete, Apple is now combining trade-in incentives with rare local discounts and interest-free installment plans. These efforts aim to regain lost ground in a slowing but still vital smartphone market.
techovedas.com/q1-2025-apple-dominates-global-smartphone-market-with-iphone-16e-boost
iPhone Trade-In Discounts: How Much Can You Save?
| iPhone Model (Traded In) | Approx. Trade-In Credit (CNY) | iPhone 15 Starting Price (CNY) | Price After Trade-In (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone X | 1,500 | 5,999 | 4,499 |
| iPhone 11 | 2,200 | 5,999 | 3,799 |
| iPhone 12 | 2,800 | 5,999 | 3,199 |
| iPhone 13 | 3,500 | 5,999 | 2,499 |
| iPhone 14 | 4,000 | 5,999 | 1,999 |
Apple’s Bet on China’s Shopping Boom
Apple’s alignment with the 618 Shopping Festival is not accidental. In 2024, the festival generated over ¥742.8 billion ($102 billion) in sales across all platforms, based on data from Syntun.
With economic uncertainty and price-sensitive consumers, offering value-driven trade-in deals could help Apple win back market share.
Beyond discounts, Apple has also invested in Chinese-language marketing, influencer collaborations, and store-based pickup options to appeal to local shoppers.
Conclusion
Apple’s expanded trade-in program for the 618 Shopping Festival shows a clear shift in strategy.
By offering better deals, flexible payments, and localized promotions, the company is fighting back against its sliding market share in China.
For consumers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 15 series, now might be the best time to trade in.
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