China’s Affluent Heir Purchases Eight iPhone 7 Devices for His Pet Dog

Indulging in technology’s latest gadgets is commonplace for many, particularly the affluent. However, some instances of this pursuit still manage to raise eyebrows, such as the case of Wang Sicong, a Chinese billionaire’s son who acquired not one, but eight iPhone 7 handsets for his beloved pet dog, Coco.

As the child of an individual worth $30 billion, and notably in a country where he is most likely an only child, Sicong allows himself grandeur in his endeavors. The news of his extravagant purchase initially surfaced through a [CNN report](http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/20/asia/china-richest-man-dog-iphones/), which highlighted his decision to spend exuberantly on Apple’s latest talk-of-the-town device – all for his cherished canine.

[image source](https://d1s6vdzy36jczj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/queue-in-china-for-iPhone-7.jpg)
Caption: Eager Apple fans queue outside an Apple store in Shanghai to secure the latest iPhone model.

Apparently nonchalant about the ongoing fervor among tech enthusiasts in China racing to own the iPhone 7, Sicong undauntedly exhibited his new purchases on the Chinese social media platform, [Weibo](http://weibo.com/5194257804/E8wGOvEKC?from=page_1005055194257804_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment#_rnd1474347838841). His posts featured rare images of his spoiled dog receiving the ostentatious gifts.

[image source](https://d1s6vdzy36jczj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wang-sicong-coco-iphones–300×168.jpg)
Caption: Coco flaunting her new iPhone handsets.

However striking this may seem to outsiders, Sicong upstaging others in showy displays of wealth isn’t out of the ordinary for him. In 2015, he garnered nationwide critical sentiments after [posting photos](http://weibo.com/5194257804/CjqvD1zuf?from=page_1005055194257804_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment#_rnd1474350390586) of Coco embellished in two Apple Watches with lavish bands collectively valued at more than $37,000.

[image source](https://d1s6vdzy36jczj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wang-1.jpg)
Caption: Wang Sicong, also affectionately known online as “the nation’s husband.”

The 32GB model of the [new iPhone 7](http://techbooky.com/apple-unveils-the-iphone-7-and-iphone-7-plus/) is listed officially at $649, while the 256GB variant is priced at $849. However, in China, as CNN records, an iPhone 6 comes with a cost of 6,988 yuan ($1,047), while the larger iPhone 7 Plus can set you back 7,988 yuan ($1,197).

Does this mean Sicong spent about $10,000 on iPhone 7 handsets? Yes, and he doesn’t flinch from this fact, considering his father is one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. His excessive expenditures, irrespective of whether viewed as simply a flamboyant display or an unusual act of generosity, are a trifle expense for him personally.

Nonetheless, not everyone admires this sort of extravagance. Sicong frequently faces criticism in China, with one publication advising other Chinese citizens not to mimic his so-termed “arrogant” behavior. Known as “the nation’s husband” due to his substantial female following online, this [publication](http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/916132.shtml) described him as vulgar.

If he sought my advice, though, I might have recommended those iPhones be dispatched to a different kind of recipient. After all, Coco probably has no use for the ‘Portrait’ mode or the myriad apps available on the App Store!