Apple’s iPhone 5 Acquires Essential “Network License” in China, Expected to Begin Selling Devices in Mid-December


By: Ali Raza  |   December 6th, 2012   |   Apple, iOS, News, Smartphones
iPhone 5

It’s been quite a ride for Apple since the tech giant launched the latest edition of its smartphone series, the iPhone 5. Regardless of incredible sales figures, the California based company has still not been able to offer its latest flagship device to one of biggest mobile phone markets in the world; the People’s Republic of China.

 

It seems that Apple’s eastern aspirations are finally coming to fruition, as according to the latest updates a device that bears an uncanny resemblance and spec sheet to the iPhone 5 has received the required “network access” license from The Ministry of Industry and Technology of China. As a result of this approval, the iPhone 5 will be available for sale in China where ironically the popular smartphone is actually made.

 

Apple Inc’s smartphone will be compatible with the CDMA and WCDMA of the local networks like China Telecom and China Unicom, rated as the third and second largest telecom carriers in the country, respectively.

 

It is anticipated that the Chinese people will begin receiving the iPhone 5 from mid December, as confirmed by the Chairman of China Telecom, who said a month ago that his company plans to begin offering Apple’s latest phone in early December. A delay in the offering would surely benefit the Android based handsets in the country given the increase in smartphone spend come holiday season.

 

Analysts believe that this delay in releasing the iPhone 5 in China took place because Apple was looking to cover the demand in the US and the required tests and acquiring of essential licensing has exhausted their time.

 

Nonetheless, now Apple is gearing up for the task, as CEO of the company Tim Cook has said on several occasions that Chinese market has got great potential as “demand is off the charts in China.” We are certain that people holding Apple stocks are salivating at the thought of iPhone 5’s being sold across China.

 

Thus far demand has been in line with expectations as according to CNet, China Unicom has reported 100,000 pre-orders for the sixth generation iPhone during the first day.

 

Source: WSJ, 9to5mac

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