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Comment by dilemma | Hacker News Reader

The real problem for Apple in China is that their brand simply isn't as strong as it is in the US. It has nothing to do with WeChat.

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I agree with the first part, but the article has a point on WeChat. It is a very good example of how app vendors have stronger brands while smartphones are seen as commodities in China.

No, the article contradicts itself and makes an incorrect claim. First, it says that iPhones are bought as statement pieces, ie their hardware. Then, it says iPhones aren't as popular in China because Androids can use WeChat too. These are incompatible claims.

They are not incompatible claims.

People buy things for multiple reasons. The point of the article is Apple has a problem, one of the reasons, iOS, isn't applicable in China due to WeChat being the dominate platform (and works on all devices).

The author circles back to mention that it doesn't mean Apple is eliminated from that market since they still have other differentiators (status symbol).

"First, it says that iPhones are bought as statement pieces, ie their hardware". The author said nothing of the sort, you are projecting your own (incorrect, imho) opinions.

The author said that iOS is significant differentiator and that's why people buy iPhones. Except not so much in China now, because WeChat.

Being a statement piece does not necessarily have anything to do with hardware. It's much more about branding.

If Apple's brand is their only problem in China, then they have an immensely bright future there. The author disagrees with you.

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