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Apple's Chinese New Year sale hits Jan. 25 -- but only in Asia

The Cupertino, Calif., giant will offer discounts to buyers in certain countries, including China and Malaysia.

Shara_Tibken.jpg
Shara_Tibken.jpg
Shara Tibken Former managing editor
Shara Tibken was a managing editor at CNET News, overseeing a team covering tech policy, EU tech, mobile and the digital divide. She previously covered mobile as a senior reporter at CNET and also wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. Shara is a native Midwesterner who still prefers "pop" over "soda."
Shara Tibken
Apple will hold a Chinese New Year sale Friday in Asia. Screenshot by Shara Tibken/CNET
Apple will kick off its Chinese New Year sale Friday, giving customers in the key Asia market access to discounts as part of its effort to attract buyers in the fast-growing region.

The sale will last from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 25 and will take place in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Apple already has introduced a Chinese New Year gift guide, but it's unclear what discounts it will offer Friday. Deals in the past included 8 percent off iPads and 10 percent off iPod Touches, as well as a discount on various Mac computers, according to the blog TUAW.

Asia is a key market for electronics companies, with demand largely holding up in the region while others areas struggle. A smartphone or tablet may be the only device for many people in certain countries, and Apple has pushed to take advantage of that spending. While its products may be too pricey for many people, the company has been taking steps to make its gadgets more affordable, including by offering installment payments to customers in China.