Hermes Orange iPhone Sparks Apple Comeback in China
Vivid redesign and viral social media buzz lure Chinese buyers back after prolonged slump
The striking orange colorway, which evokes the signature hue of the French luxury house Hermès, has gone viral on Chinese social platforms including Xiaohongshu and Weibo. Videos showcasing the distinctive color have accumulated hundreds of millions of views, with many young Chinese consumers describing it as the must-have accessory of the season.
The surge in interest represents a dramatic reversal for Apple, which had been losing ground to domestic competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi. Chinese consumers had increasingly gravitated toward homegrown brands, particularly after Huawei breakthrough with its Mate 60 series demonstrated that domestic manufacturers could match or exceed iPhone capabilities.
Apple timing with the orange variant appears deliberate, launching just as Lunar New Year celebrations conclude and consumers are in a spending mood. The color also resonates with Chinese cultural associations of orange with prosperity and good fortune.
Analysis
Why This Matters
China is Apple second-largest market and has been a persistent weak spot in recent quarters. A successful comeback could significantly boost company revenues and signal renewed competitiveness against Chinese rivals.
Background
Apple has struggled in China since 2023, facing intense competition from Huawei resurrection and broader consumer preference for domestic brands amid US-China tensions. Market share had fallen to its lowest level in years.
Key Perspectives
Analysts view the orange iPhone success as evidence that design innovation can still differentiate Apple in a crowded market. However, some caution that color trends are fleeting and sustainable growth requires deeper product advantages.
What to Watch
Whether the orange variant momentum translates to broader iPhone sales and how competitors respond with their own colorways.