Apple is launching products in China, faster than people have seen it to.
It took Apple two years to launch iPhone in China (launched in Late 2009); but less than six months to launch the iPhone 4 and the iPad; Now the company's latest version of Mac Book Air is scheduled to be released in the country this month, just about a month after its launch in the U.S.
By releasing, its products faster than usual to the Chinese market, analysts say Apple is trying to draw consumers away from the country's grey market, where vendors take the advantage of the time lag and first buy the product overseas only to sell them at high premium in China.
Whether Apple is right in its thinking or not, will take some time to be validated; But if one compares the market share Apple commands in US with the one it commands in China; Apple's approach seems correct.
Apple brand is becoming more popular in China, which will only encourage more sales; much of this has been driven by the iPhone 4, which was officially launched in China in September. The device continues to sell out in some stores, even as Apple says it is bringing in more stock.
According to Beijing-based research firm Analysis International, for smartphones, the company claims a 5.9 percent market share. This is not bad, when compared to Apple’s US smartphone market share; which is a developed market for Apple products.
Now if a growing popularity means, increased sales, then it's bound to increase consumer awareness and liking about Apple's other products too; as most of these products run a common philosophy -- that's to serve its niche well.
And in my estimation this familiarity with Apple brand will take care of other sectors, Apple is trying to have a presence felt. For instance, In China's PC market, Apple's share is about 0.7 percent at present, according to Gartner.
I don't think Chinese consumer will show apathy to Apple's expensive notebooks on their high price point. As those who will appreciate iPhone or iPad, which are not affordable by any respects, will shy away from new Mac Book Air (price 7998 yuan (US$1,206) in China). It's alright that an average Chinese consumer will not be buying Mac Book Air; but an average American didn't buy a Mac in Apple's initial days either.
For the same reason, a surge in Apple brand's familiarity in the country will take care of many issues like ' turned off by Apple's products dependence on the company's App Store or iTunes to buy software or media', 'liking for free softwares and applications' etc. (although I feel, for Apple product buyers, these seldom are an issue).
To me Apple's current market share in China is appearing well on track, keeping in mind the stage at which Apple is at in China.
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