In a move to expand its presence in China, Apple has launched an online store on the popular WeChat app, as announced by the Tencent-owned platform. The Cupertino-based company has integrated its store into WeChat’s mini-programs, which are small-sized apps that offer various e-commerce, financial services, and transportation options.
Product Offerings and Previous Store Launches
Through the WeChat store, Apple will sell its range of products, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This is not the first time Apple has ventured into launching a store on a Chinese platform. Reuters notes that the tech giant also operates a store on Tencent’s rival Alibaba’s Tmall e-commerce platform. Additionally, Apple experimented with live commerce in China earlier this year, attempting to sell its products through that channel.
China as a Key Market for Apple
China holds significant importance for Apple as one of its key markets outside of the United States. Research firm Counterpoint estimates that the iPhone 13 series dominated the top three positions in the chart of best-selling phones in China in 2022. Despite a decline in China’s smartphone market in Q1 2023, It maintained its position as the leading handset vendor in the country with a 20% market share, representing a 2% improvement compared to the same period the previous year, according to a Counterpoint report.
Apple’s Production Diversification Efforts
While Apple continues to thrive in the Chinese market, the company has been working to diversify its manufacturing sources by moving production out of China. JP Morgan analysts revealed last year that Apple aims to shift 25% of its iPhone production to India and 20% of its iPad and Apple Watch production to Vietnam by 2025. These efforts are part of the company’s strategy to reduce its reliance on China as a manufacturing hub and explore new production avenues in other countries.
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