Hong Kong should prepare for an extra influx of cross-boarder shoppers next weekend after Apple announced that its new smartphones would be launched in nine markets, including Hong Kong, but not mainland China.
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will go on sale in Hong Kong on Sept. 19, while tech fans across the border will have to wait another week.
The exclusion is surprising given that last’s years batch of iPhones were released in Beijing and the United States at the same time. Apple has not given a reason for the move, but some analysts have suggested it is a form of punishment after details of the new phones were leaked on Chinese websites. That’ll teach ’em!
According to a report in the Hong Kong Economic Journal, the cross-border demand is likely to see Hong Kong’s grey market heat up, with prices for the iPhone 6 Plus jacked up to as much as HKD13,000, compared to the the official Apple price of HKD8,008. However, prices are expected to fall after the phones are launched in Beijing on Sept. 26.
The two new phones, officially unveiled in California this week, have been described as, “the biggest advancements in iPhone history” by Apple CE Tim Cook. Well, you wouldn’t be chuffed if they hadn’t advanced, would you.
They will come in gold, silver and grey, and have 16GB, 64GB and 128GB capacity. Unlocked phones at the Apple store will start from HKD5,588, and can be pre-ordered from tomorrow.
Apple has also announced the launch of its highly anticipated Apple Watch and its contactless mobile payment system, although the latter will only be available in the United States. At least we still have our Octopus cards guys!
Photo: YouTube screengrab
