Apple CEO Tim Cook hints at popularity of new lower cost iPhone XR in China
- The iPhone XR line-up, available in six colours, starts from US$936 in China
- Apple is adjusting its strategy in China where it faces fierce competition from local brands
Apple chief executive Tim Cook seems relieved that the company’s more affordable iPhone XR is apparently doing better in China compared to the tepid Chinese response to its recent high-end flagship released last month.
“Wonderful to see so many people in China enjoying the new iPhone XR. Glad we could help add some colour to your day!” Cook said in his official Sina Weibo account on Saturday, a day after the company’s cheaper iPhone models officially hit the shelves in China.
The iPhone XR line-up, available in six colours, starts from 6,499 yuan (US$936) in China, about 25 per cent and 32 per cent cheaper, respectively, than the entry level versions of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, the US tech giant’s two flagship smartphones for the year.
Cook did not reveal specific sales figures for the iPhone XR in China. An Apple spokesperson declined to reveal further details about iPhone XR sales in China, adding that Cook’s Weibo post was not meant to hint at anything regarding the popularity of the XR versus the XS.
On September 21, after the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max were launched globally, Cook said on his Sina Weibo account: “Thrilled to open our first store in beautiful Suzhou! Enjoy the new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and Apple Watch Series 4.”