iPhone destined for China

Apple is currently in talks with China's largest cellular phone carrier about launching its iPhone there, according to BusinessWeek. The companies have yet to come to an agreement, however, as both firms are still hashing out revenue sharing details. China Mobile's CEO gave reporters at the GSMA (GSM Association) Mobile Asia Congress in Macau, China confirmation of the dealings, coinciding with Apple's promise to bring its iPhone to Asia in 2008. Apple is also reportedly in talks with various other cellular carriers in the region. [updated]

Apple's iPhone has seen much success both with its U.S. launch in late June and now its European debut in Germany as well as the UK. Britain's exclusive wireless provider O2 has said the iPhone is its fastest-selling device ever, reporting more than 8,000 activations during the first day of sales. Customers lined up outside German stores braving wind as well as rain to ensure they would become one of the first iPhone owners there, serving as further testament to the fervor over Apple's unique multitouch device.

Apple has predicted as many as 10 million iPhone sales globally in 2008, and some estimates in the UK are placing 400,000 devices in the hands of customers there by the end of the holiday shopping season.

by MacNN Staff