The launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 series in China has been met with mixed reactions, as local users discovered that the highly anticipated AI features would not be immediately available in their language until next year[1]. This delay has sparked skepticism about the value proposition of the new iPhones, especially in light of strong competition from domestic rivals like Huawei[1].
Huawei’s AI Advantage
In contrast to Apple’s delayed AI rollout, Huawei’s Mate XT will offer AI-powered features from day one, including:
- Text summary, translation, and editing functions
- AI-enhanced image editing capabilities, such as object removal and photo retouching[6][7]
This immediate availability of AI features has contributed to the Mate XT’s strong pre-launch performance, with over four million pre-orders reported[5].
Consumer Reactions
Chinese consumers have expressed frustration with Apple’s delayed AI rollout:
- “The absence of AI in China is akin to cutting one of Apple’s arms,” one Weibo user commented[1].
- Another user questioned, “With the biggest selling point unavailable, shouldn’t you charge us half the price?”[1]
These sentiments reflect growing dissatisfaction among Chinese consumers who feel they are not receiving the full value of Apple’s latest innovations[1].
Market Implications
Apple’s AI delay in China could have significant consequences:
- Market share: Apple’s ranking in China has already dropped from third to sixth place[1].
- Competitive advantage: The delay gives competitors like Huawei an opportunity to establish themselves as leaders in AI-powered smartphones[1].
- Regulatory challenges: Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China, and the country’s regulatory landscape adds complexity to the situation[1].
Huawei’s Resurgence
Huawei has made a strong comeback in the high-end smartphone market:
- The company launched the Mate 60 Pro with a domestically manufactured chip, defying US sanctions[1].
- Huawei has become the world’s largest vendor of foldable phones, surpassing Samsung Electronics[1].
- The new Mate XT, with its unique tri-fold design, has generated significant buzz in the market[2][4].
Looking Ahead
Apple’s AI strategy in China represents a crucial challenge for the company. While its brand still holds appeal, the delayed AI rollout and fierce competition from resurgent local players like Huawei pose serious obstacles[1]. The company’s ability to adapt its AI offerings to local conditions may ultimately determine its future success in this vital market.
Citations:
[1] https://technology.inquirer.net/136988/huawei-mate-xt-is-the-first-ever-tri-folding-smartphone
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/tech/china-huawei-max-xt-launch-intl-hnk/index.html
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/10/business/huawei-trifold-iphone.html
[4] https://www.trendforce.com/news/2024/09/12/news-a-comparison-between-apple-iphone-16-and-huawei-mate-xt/
[5] https://www.reuters.com/technology/huaweis-tri-foldable-phone-stirs-chinese-pride-2800-price-tag-panned-2024-09-11/
[6] https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-mate-xt-has-ai-object-removal-and-expansion-tools-for-photo-editing/
[7] https://www.reuters.com/technology/huawei-teases-tri-fold-smartphone-raising-competition-with-apple-china-2024-09-10/
[8] https://readwrite.com/huawei-mate-xt-ultimate-design-triple-foldable-phone/