Hong Kong smartphone traders ‘not impressed’ by iPhone 7 release
Apple’s latest offering, which is set to hit stores on September 16, has received mixed reactions from local dealers
Despite Hong Kong, the mainland and Taiwan being among the first batch of regions to get their hands on the new iPhone 7, local secondary-market traders remained sceptical over the smartphone’s upgrades and pricing.
Apple unveiled its new iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and Apple Watch Series 2 yesterday. The release is widely expected to boost smartphone and smartwatch sales around the world after a damaging Samsung Electronics product recall and a global economic slowdown.
Apple also confirmed it will extend its year-old iPhone upgrade programme to the mainland, allowing Chinese consumers to purchase an unlocked iPhone or iPhone 7 Plus from the company’s online store and branded shops.
Those who sign up for the programme pay for the phone via monthly payments, can select their own telecommunications network operator and can upgrade their device every year.
While pricing for the mainland was not disclosed, monthly payments in the US start at US$32. A spokesman said Hong Kong was not included in the programme.