Apple's iPhone 4S cleared for sale in China, expected to arrive in December [u]
Update: A new report claims that the MIIT network permit may actually be for the 8GB iPhone 4, as noted by Penn Olson. Insiders from China Unicom have allegedly told Sina Tech that the iPhone 4S is still awaiting approval.
MIC Gadget reports that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the necessary network access permit for the iPhone 4S earlier this week.
According to the report, the Cupertino, Calif., company's latest handset received a certificate valid for three years. The permit was believed to have been the last obstacle for Apple.
In response to the news, China Unicom said it expects to launch the device by the end of the month. The carrier reportedly estimates the 16GB iPhone 4S will cost 4,999 yuan ($786) off contract.
The company revealed in late November that it had already finished preparations for the iPhone 4S and was simply awaiting the final permit from the government.
Financial analysts have indicated that their estimates of 28 million iPhone units shipped in the fourth quarter of calendar 2011 will see a strong upside if Apple manages to launch the iPhone 4S in the world's most populous country by the end of the quarter. According to Apple, there are already 7,000 points of sale for its smartphone in the country.
Source: MIC Gadget.
As for Greater China, the iPhone 4S arrived in Hong Kong to frenzied crowds in November. The handset is set to launch in Taiwan on Dec. 16. Apple has been on a tear in the region as of late. The company saw record sales of $4.5 billion there last quarter, making it the company's second-largest market in terms of revenue.
Chief Executive Tim Cook said during a recent quarterly earnings call that progress in China, which recently surpassed the U.S. to become the world's largest smartphone market, has been "amazing" and offers continued promise of "enormous opportunity" for the company. According to one survey, Apple is now seen as the leading smartphone brand in China, with consumer purchase intentions roughly 4.5 times the device's current market share.
44 Comments
Chinese regulators have issued the final permit required for Apple to launch the iPhone 4S in the country,
It is good to see that Apple is able to play ball with the Reds. That will add to their profits.But will Apple's slave labor be able to afford an iPhone?
It is good to see that Apple is able to play ball with the Reds. That will add to their profits.But will Apple's slave labor be able to afford an iPhone?
It's called Capitalism, Joe. Maybe you've heard of it?
I'm in HK now on vacation. It is truly amazing how many iPhone banners you see in storefronts. It's as if it's the only phone here. Shop after shop after shop, all selling phone accessories, their only signage is for the iPhone.
It is good to see that Apple is able to play ball with the Reds. That will add to their profits.But will Apple's slave labor be able to afford an iPhone?
I know some countries have a maximum salary per job title and if you pay more then that you face a fine plus jail time, I know this because it happened to me, first occurrence they give you a warning, so I choose to close my business and move back to the US.
I know some countries have a maximum salary per job title and if you pay more then that you face a fine plus jail time, I know this because it happened to me, first occurrence they give you a warning, so I choose to close my business and move back to the US.
Are you claiming that Apple pays slave wages in order to avoid going to jail?
And here I was, thinking it was so that Wall Street could rake in oversized profits.