Apple launched its online store on China’s most popular platform, WeChat by Tencent. WeChat has over 1.2 billion users thereby making it the nation’s largest messaging app. It is also called a ‘super app’ since it offers a wide range of services besides instant messaging.
CNBC says
CNBC reports that Apple integrated its online store into the “Mini Programmes” of WeChat. They function as applications within WeChat. Thus, users do not have to download and install multiple apps. They can access different services from WeChat directly.
Tencent says
Tencent said that through the Mini Programme store, users can view the complete range of Apple devices including the latest iPhone 14 series. Any purchase made through WeChat qualifies for free shipping. Some users may even be eligible for a three-hour delivery service.
Market economics
Although the market condition for smartphones is challenging, sales of Apple’s iPhone showed resilience in China. As per a report by Counterpoint Research, China has shown a 5% year-on-year decline in sales during the 1st quarter of 2023 in the smartphones category. This is the lowest since 2014. However, iPhones exhibited a 6% year-on-year increase in sales.
A strategic move
The integration is a strategic move to capitalize on the massive popularity and user base of WeChat in China. As highlighted by Tencent, people would have access to other services by Apple as well like the trade-in program. They want to ensure increased benefits and enhanced convenience for shopping via the WeChat store.
This move lines up with the trend of merging various services within an app to streamline user experiences and reduce app clutter.
