Apple Raises iPhone Trade-In Values in China to Boost Demand

New Incentives Aim to Strengthen Apple’s Position in Key Market

Apple has increased the trade-in value of older iPhones in China in an effort to stimulate demand in one of its most crucial global markets. The move highlights the company’s attempt to regain momentum amid declining sales and growing competition from Chinese tech giants like Xiaomi and Huawei.

Updated iPhone Trade-In Values

The iPhone 15 Pro Max now has a maximum trade-in value of 5,700 yuan (around $791), up from 5,625 yuan previously. For comparison, a brand-new iPhone 15 Pro Max retails at 7,999 yuan in China.

The iPhone 15 Pro trade-in value increased slightly to 4,750 yuan, up from 4,725 yuan.

Other iPhone models also received modest trade-in value increases.

Though the increases are minor, they reflect Apple’s continued effort to incentivize upgrades and stay competitive in the world’s second-largest economy.

Fierce Competition from Xiaomi and Huawei

In Q1 2025, Apple’s smartphone market share in China dropped from 15% to 13%, and shipments fell by 8% year-over-year, according to Canalys.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi emerged as the No. 1 smartphone brand by market share in China after launching its new flagship, Xiaomi 15S Pro, featuring a self-developed chip — a rare feat in the global smartphone industry. Huawei has also seen a major resurgence thanks to chip innovation and aggressive product launches.

Supply Chain Challenges and Trade Pressures

Apple currently manufactures about 90% of its iPhones in China, primarily through its partner Foxconn. However, the company is exploring production shifts to India — a move that recently drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump stated that he told Apple CEO Tim Cook he would prefer the company to manufacture in the U.S. rather than India, adding further complexity to Apple’s global production strategy.

Conclusion: Apple’s Push to Reclaim Market Share in China

Apple’s increase in trade-in values is part of a broader push to retain existing users and attract new ones in the highly competitive Chinese smartphone market. With local brands rapidly innovating and geopolitical tensions influencing supply chains, Apple is under pressure to adjust its pricing, production, and promotion strategies to stay ahead.

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Source: CNBC