According to a translation by Engadget Mobile, it appears the iPhone may finally be headed to China, after years of negotiations.
The translation, from China's national news agency, says that massive mobile carrier China Unicom has locked down an exclusive contract with Apple that will last until 2012.
There were not much other details available, and the rumor has not been confirmed by Apple, but it appears the phone will be fully compatible with 3G networks in China. There has been word that Wi-Fi will be allowed in the phone.
EM also adds that if true, Unicom will be selling each handset at a loss, but making up the subsidy with contracts that will require data plans. Says the source: "At any rate, it's noted that Unicom will be snapping up the devices from Apple at a cost of around 3,000 Chinese yuan apiece ($439), with end users being asked to pay an undisclosed lesser amount on contract."
For now, Unicom says there is no deal complete, but we will keep you updated.
There were not much other details available, and the rumor has not been confirmed by Apple, but it appears the phone will be fully compatible with 3G networks in China. There has been word that Wi-Fi will be allowed in the phone.
EM also adds that if true, Unicom will be selling each handset at a loss, but making up the subsidy with contracts that will require data plans. Says the source: "At any rate, it's noted that Unicom will be snapping up the devices from Apple at a cost of around 3,000 Chinese yuan apiece ($439), with end users being asked to pay an undisclosed lesser amount on contract."
For now, Unicom says there is no deal complete, but we will keep you updated.
