Apple and China Mobile have officially announced that the iPhone 5s and 5c will be available in both the carrier’s stores and Apple’s retail stores across mainland China beginning January 17, 2014. Pre-orders begin December 25, 2013.
Apple’s Press Release, via MacRumors:
“Apple’s iPhone is very much loved by millions of customers around the world. We know there are many China Mobile customers and potential new customers who are anxiously awaiting the incredible combination of iPhone on China Mobile’s leading network. We are delighted that iPhone on China Mobile will support our 4G/TD-LTE and 3G/TD-SCDMA networks, providing customers with high-speed mobile service,” said Xi Guohua, China Mobile Chairman.
“Apple has enormous respect for China Mobile and we are excited to begin working together. China is an extremely important market for Apple and our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world’s largest network,” said Tim Cook, Apple CEO. “iPhone customers in China are an enthusiastic and rapidly growing group, and we can’t think of a better way to welcome in the Chinese New Year than getting an iPhone into the hands of every China Mobile customer who wants one.”
China Mobile is the world’s largest wireless carrier with over 760 million subscribers. The new deal is expected to greatly increase iPhone sales in China.
Indicators of an impending deal included Apple receiving the licensing needed for their popular device to operate on China Mobile’s TD-LTE network, and also releasing the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c with TD-LTE support.
