When Apple announced the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, China, one of the company’s largest markets, was notably absent from the list of countries that would receive the handset on launch day.
The reason that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are not launching in China tomorrow is because Apple has not received the necessary regulatory approval to get the device launched.
Regulatory Hurdles in China
According to a recent report, Apple needs three separate licenses to launch the new iPhone 6 models in China. It has already obtained two of these, so it just has one more to go. The regulatory process in China can be quite stringent, involving multiple layers of scrutiny to ensure that the devices meet local standards for safety, network compatibility, and other technical requirements.
When Apple will get approval for the final license it needs remains to be seen. Hopefully, this can be sorted quickly, as sales of both devices in China would add significant numbers to Apple’s iPhone sales figures. The Chinese market is crucial for Apple, not just because of its size but also due to the increasing purchasing power of Chinese consumers who are eager to get their hands on the latest technology.
Partnership with China Mobile
Apple previously partnered with China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile phone operator by subscribers, to distribute its iPhones. The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are expected to launch with the carrier once Apple gets the necessary approval. This partnership is particularly significant because China Mobile’s extensive network coverage could help Apple reach a broader audience in both urban and rural areas.
The delay in launching the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in China could also have implications for Apple’s market strategy. Competitors like Samsung and local brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi are quick to capitalize on any delay, offering their own high-end smartphones to eager consumers. Therefore, the sooner Apple can navigate through the regulatory maze, the better it will be for maintaining its competitive edge.
As soon as we get some more details on exactly when Apple’s latest iPhone handsets will be launching in China, we will let you guys know. The anticipation is high, and many are closely watching how quickly Apple can overcome this final hurdle.
In the meantime, Apple continues to focus on other markets where the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have already launched successfully. The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, with record-breaking pre-orders and sales figures. This success story is expected to continue in China once the regulatory issues are resolved.
The delay also highlights the complexities of doing business in different regulatory environments. While Apple is no stranger to navigating international markets, each country presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. In the case of China, the rewards are substantial, but so are the hurdles.
Source Cult of Mac
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