Chinese online shopping festival kicks off with steep Apple discounts

SHANGHAI/HONG KONG -- One of China's biggest online shopping festivals is underway with Apple offering steep discounts through Alibaba Group Holding, highlighting intense e-commerce competition amid sluggish consumer demand.

Apple's official store on Alibaba's Tmall shopping site began a campaign on Monday night that will last until Tuesday next week. Coupled with coupons offered by Tmall, consumers can get 1,400 yuan ($193) off the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, while the high-end iPhone 15 Pro series is available with discounts ranging from 1,900 to 2,300 yuan.