Apple launches WeChat store in China

apple On Tuesday launched an online store at Tencent messaging app WeChat in China, as the iPhone giant ramps up expansion of retail channels in one of its most important markets.

WeChat is the largest messaging platform in China with over 1.2 billion users. It is often referred to as the ‘premium app’, as it goes beyond just instant messaging. Users have access to so-called “mini-programs”, which are functional applications within WeChat. This means that users do not need to download a lot of different applications, but can instead access all the services they need from within WeChat.

Apple’s WeChat store in the form of a small program.

Tencent said in a statement that users can purchase the full range of Apple products, including the latest iPhone 14 range, through the Mini program. Orders via WeChat qualify for free shipping, and some users can pay for a three-hour delivery.

Tencent said customers can also access some of Apple’s other services, such as a trade-in program.

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

Apple is firmly in control of its retail channels, but has been building its presence on the largest online platforms in China over the past few years. Apple has an official store on Tmall, the e-commerce site it runs Ali Baba. while, JD.comthe second largest online retailer in China, is an official distributor of Apple products.

iPhone sales remained quite resilient in China despite the tough market in general. Smartphone sales fell 5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023, reaching the lowest first-quarter sales figure since 2014, according to Counterpoint Research. Counterpoint said Apple’s iPhone sales grew 6% year-over-year.

Apple is still looking to reach more customers. WeChat is ubiquitous in Chinese society as people use it for everything from messaging to booking flights and paying bills.