Apple launches WeChat store in China

apple online store launched on tuesday Tencent’s The WeChat messaging app launched in China as the iPhone giant ramps up its retail expansion in one of its most important markets.

WeChat is the largest messaging platform in China with more than 1.2 billion users. It’s often called a “super app” because it’s more than just instant messaging. Users can access so-called “mini-programs,” which are actually apps within WeChat. This means that instead of downloading a ton of different apps, users can access all the services they need from within WeChat.

Apple’s WeChat store is in the form of mini programs.

Tencent said in a statement that users can purchase a full line of Apple products, including the latest iPhone 14 series, through the mini program. Orders through WeChat can enjoy free shipping service, and some users can also enjoy three-hour delivery service for a fee.

Customers can also use some other Apple services, such as the trade-in program, Tencent said.

Apple and Tencent did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.

Apple tightly controls its retail channels, but has spent the past few years expanding its presence on China’s largest internet platform.Apple has an official store on Tmall, an e-commerce site operated by Apple Inc. alibaba. at the same time, JingdongThe second largest online retailer in China and the official reseller of Apple products.

Despite the tough overall market conditions, iPhone sales in China have remained fairly resilient. According to Counterpoint Research, smartphone sales in the first quarter of 2023 will fall by 5% year-on-year, reaching the lowest first-quarter sales since 2014. Counterpoint said Apple’s iPhone sales rose 6% year-over-year.

Apple still wants to attract more customers. WeChat is ubiquitous in Chinese society, with people using it for everything from texting to booking flights and paying bills.