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iPhone Air Faces Price Cuts Amidst declining Demand in China
Apple’s iPhone Air, launched with meaningful anticipation in late 2025, is experiencing considerable price reductions in the Chinese market due to waning consumer interest.The price drops are a result of retailers attempting to clear inventory.
Initial hype Followed by Rapid Decline
Following its October 2025 launch, the iPhone Air initially saw strong demand and topped sales charts. Though, this momentum quickly reversed as consumer interest diminished, leading to aggressive discount campaigns on major Chinese e-commerce platforms. This mirrors a broader trend of increased competition in the Chinese smartphone market, with domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi gaining market share. Counterpoint Research reports increased competition from local brands.
Price Drops: From $999 to $585
The iPhone Air, originally priced at $999, saw its price reduced to $788 on Apple’s official Tmall store by the end of 2025. Further discounts have emerged in early 2026, with JD.com offering the base model for as low as $585, including trade-in support and additional promotions. Reuters reported on the initial price drops in January 2026.
Record price Decline for an iPhone
This rapid price decline positions the iPhone Air as one of the fastest-depreciating iPhone models in Apple’s history. Industry analysts suggest that Apple may continue thes price reductions and similar promotions through the fall 2026 product launch. Bloomberg highlights the severity of the price cuts and potential implications for Apple’s future strategy.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone Air has experienced a significant drop in demand in the Chinese market.
- Retailers are offering substantial discounts, with prices falling from $999 to as low as $585.
- This represents one of the fastest price declines for any iPhone model.
- Analysts predict continued price reductions through the fall of 2026.
FAQ
Why is the iPhone Air price dropping in China?
The price drops are primarily due to declining consumer demand in China, coupled with increased competition from domestic smartphone brands.









