As iPhone16 quickly sold out on Apple's official website, it shows that domestic consumers have not given up despite media criticisms, and Apple fans still adore it. Meanwhile, domestic e-commerce platforms have also offered subsidies, further fueling demand for this phone, which is expected to drive iPhone16 sales to new heights.

An e-commerce platform, which started by selling low-priced products, has been working for years to change consumers' perceptions of it. It targeted the iPhone, which is highly popular among domestic high-end consumers and those in first-tier cities, as a way to gain a foothold in these markets and challenge the top two e-commerce platforms. Therefore, it heavily subsidized iPhone sales.

This year's iPhone16 is no exception, and it was the first to offer subsidies, with discounts ranging from 400 to 1,000 yuan. This shows its determination to rely further on this popular phone to attract high-end consumers and establish a strong presence in first-tier cities. As it quickly offered subsidies, the other two e-commerce platforms followed suit.

One e-commerce platform offers interest-free installments over 24 months and a trade-in subsidy of 1,200 yuan. Another offers a 450 yuan coupon, but it's through a raffle system where only winners can use the coupon. However, it also provides a trade-in subsidy of 1,500 yuan. In terms of benefits, this is not as straightforward as the newcomer e-commerce platform.

The discounts offered by major e-commerce platforms undoubtedly add fuel to the fire for iPhone16, attracting more consumers to choose this phone and driving its sales. This is naturally what Apple wants to see, as it now cares less about hardware profits and more about attracting more iPhone users, who can generate more profits through services, which now account for more than half of its profits.

Apple's iPhone16 has indeed undergone significant changes this year. All models now feature the new A18 processor, eliminating previous distinctions. In contrast, previous iPhone15/14 standard models used older processors, prompting many consumers to opt for the more expensive Pro versions. While this boosted Pro sales, the overall iPhone sales declined due to their high prices. The changes in iPhone16 are expected to bring back price-sensitive users.

Domestic phone makers are also facing challenges. It is rumored that Qualcomm will release its new high-end Snapdragon 8G4 chip next month, which significantly outperforms MediaTek's latest chip. Domestic flagship phones will have no choice but to adopt Snapdragon 8G4, and with rising costs, Qualcomm has decided to further increase its price, reportedly by 20% to 1,700 yuan.

Under these circumstances, domestic flagship phones may not be able to bear the cost increase and may have to raise prices further. Previous price hikes above 4,000 yuan led to declining sales, and last year, prices had to be reduced to 3,999 yuan. It is clear that consumers are unwilling to pay more than 4,000 yuan for domestic flagship phones. Now, with Qualcomm's significant price hike, domestic phone makers may have to raise prices substantially, which could benefit iPhone16 sales.

With these favorable conditions and e-commerce platforms offering discounts to consumers, iPhone16 sales are undoubtedly being further fueled. This could drive Apple's iPhone sales to new record highs, potentially reaching nearly 90 million units, surpassing the sales record of iPhone13.

Apple has high hopes for iPhone16 to reverse the declining sales trend of iPhone15. As expected, iPhone16 quickly sold out on Apple's official website. With the additional support of domestic e-commerce platforms offering discounts, it seems inevitable that iPhone16 will continue to be popular. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook may not have anticipated such overwhelming support, and he's probably counting his money already.