Apple China Launches 3.5 Hour Express Delivery Service

The Apple China website launched a 3.5-hour delivery service by its official retail stores on August 3 for a 45 yuan ($6.66) fee, currently offered only in Shanghai.

Shanghai users will be prompted with the words “Retail delivery within 3.5 hours (RMB45)” on the page when shopping for products. The products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac and many other categories.

Timed delivery is also available on Apple’s website, which enables customers to select a two-hour time slot for delivery the next day. This service is currently free of charge.

The development comes after Apple opened its China Summer Sale in July this year. The promotion covers the most popular products. Discounts for the iPhone 13 series reach 600 yuan, the latest iPhone SE saves 200 yuan, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini reach 500 yuan, and Apple Watch and AirPods are discounted from 150 to 250 yuan.

This is a rare price cut for Apple, which the industry sees as possibly related to the generally sluggish performance of the cell phone market. On July 28, Apple announced its third quarter 2022 earnings (April to June). The revenue was $82.959 billion, up 2%, exceeding Wall Street’s expectations, but net profit fell 11% year-on-year.

SEE ALSO: Apple China Web Reduced Price for iPhone 13

The Greater China region is now one of growth engines for Apple. According to Canalys data, Apple’s global shipments rose 8% in the first quarter, while shipments in China alone were up 17%. This quarter, the engine stalled and net profit declined. Apple may urgently need to boost purchasing desire of users in China.