Apple Joins China’s Subsidy Program to Boost iPhone, Mac Sales

In a move to combat declining sales in China, Apple has joined China’s national digital product subsidy program through its direct sales channels, according to the South China Morning Post. This will allow eligible customers in Beijing and Shanghai to receive government-backed discounts on select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models.

How the Subsidy Program Works

The program offers a discount of up to 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) on select Apple products, with the device’s price determining eligibility.

Products priced under 6,000 yuan ($835) receive a 15% discount capped at 500 yuan ($70), while higher-value items, like Macs, qualify for larger subsidies.

In Shanghai, customers can benefit from this subsidy by buying an eligible device from one of the eight Apple Stores. Beijing residents, on the other hand, can receive the discount via Apple’s Online Store as long as they use a Beijing shipping address.

First-Time Direct Participation by Apple

This isn’t the first time Apple products have been available under the program. Previously, they were offered only through authorized third-party platforms such as JD.com and Alibaba’s Taobao. However, Apple’s own retail and online stores are now participating directly.

A Response to Declining Shipments

This initiative comes as Apple seeks to revitalize its sales in China, where iPhone sales have declined notably in 2025. Market analysts note that Apple is the only top-five smartphone vendor to see a drop in shipments this year, while rivals like Xiaomi and Huawei have experienced significant growth.

iGeeksBlog Take

As China remains a vital market—and with competitors like Xiaomi and Huawei making aggressive gains—Apple’s direct participation in the program appears both timely and strategic. This can help the Cupertino tech giant reverse its sales slump. Given its premium image, Apple rarely joins such programs, so this is a significant and telling shift in its China strategy.

What’s your take on Apple joining China’s subsidy program? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.