We recently heard that the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C would launch on China Mobile, and now it looks like the company will start taking pre-orders for both handsets from this Thursday, the 12th of December.
China Mobile posted a photo on their website showing the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, saying that both devices will be available to pre-order from the 12th of December.
“Customers can begin to preorder for our new 4G services from Dec. 12 through the company’s website and some dedicated branches in Shanghai. But we will only start providing commercial 4G services after Dec. 18,” the customer services operator said.
Background on the Deal
Last week we heard that the two companies had finally agreed a deal for the sale of the iPhone on China Mobile, although there were reports on the weekend that the deal had yet to be completed. This partnership is significant as China Mobile is the world’s largest mobile phone operator by subscribers, boasting over 700 million users. The inclusion of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C in their lineup is expected to significantly boost Apple’s presence in the Chinese market, which has been a strategic focus for the company.
The iPhone 5S, known for its advanced features like the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, A7 chip, and improved camera, has been a popular choice globally. On the other hand, the iPhone 5C, with its colorful plastic casing and slightly lower price point, aims to attract a broader audience, including younger consumers and those looking for a more affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem.
Implications for the Chinese Market
The launch of these iPhones on China Mobile’s network is not just a win for Apple but also for China Mobile. The carrier has been working on rolling out its 4G LTE network, and the availability of the iPhone 5S and 5C will likely drive adoption of their new high-speed services. The timing of the pre-orders aligns perfectly with the launch of their 4G services, which are set to begin commercially on December 18th.
This move is expected to intensify competition among mobile carriers in China, as other major players like China Unicom and China Telecom have already been offering the iPhone. For consumers, this means more choices and potentially better deals as carriers vie for their business.
Moreover, the introduction of the iPhone on China Mobile could have broader economic implications. Increased sales of high-end smartphones like the iPhone 5S could drive demand for related products and services, from accessories to app downloads, further stimulating the tech ecosystem in China.
So it looks like China Mobile will start selling the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S on their network in China from this Thursday the 12th of December. This launch marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Apple and China Mobile, potentially setting the stage for future partnerships and product launches.
Source MacRumors
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