Core Viewpoint - The launch of Apple's iPhone 17 series has sparked intense competition among e-commerce platforms, leading to significant price cuts and promotional offers to attract consumers [1][2][5]. E-commerce Price War - E-commerce platforms initiated a price war ahead of the iPhone 17's official release, with Pinduoduo offering the largest subsidies, reducing prices by up to 1000 yuan [2]. - The iPhone 17 is priced as low as 4999 yuan on these platforms, with similar discounts on other Apple products like the Apple Watch and AirPods [2]. Sales Performance - Pre-sale data indicates over 8 million reservations for the iPhone 17 series on JD.com, with sales surpassing last year's total within the first minute of pre-sale [3]. - By September 19, over 30,000 users had successfully received their iPhone 17 devices, with a significant increase in trade-in sales compared to the previous year [3]. Subsidy Strategies - E-commerce platforms are heavily subsidizing the iPhone 17 to attract consumers and increase user engagement, especially during the critical launch period [7]. - The subsidies are seen as a competitive strategy to differentiate services and enhance user loyalty, while also potentially boosting sales of other products on the platforms [7][10]. Market Dynamics - The iPhone 17 series has been well-received, with previous models showing a 20% increase in sales compared to the iPhone 15 series [5]. - Despite initial speculation of price inflation by resellers, the combination of ample supply and subsidies has led to a more rational pricing environment [9][10]. Long-term Implications - While short-term profits may be impacted by subsidies, the long-term benefits include increased customer loyalty, market share, and potential revenue from advertising and partnerships [10].