China Unicom announces official iPhone launch details
updated 10:05 am EDT, Mon September 28, 2009
Debut scheduled for later this week
Carrier China Unicom has put an end to some earlier rumors, and formally announced details for the launch of the Chinese iPhone. Reuters reports that an unspecified model should cost 5,000 yuan, approximately $732, when sales begin on October 1st. Subsidies between 893 and 4,253 yuan are available for those signing up to a Unicom plan.
The company has however only identified the existence of eight iPhone plans, ranging in cost from 126 to 886 yuan per month. No information on voice, text or data terms has been provided, nor has the company said how long contracts may extend. The revealed prices are believed to be high for the Chinese market, where most people can only afford a basic cellphone if any. Unicom nevertheless says it has accumulated 530,000 3G subscribers, all during a trial period for the technology; it expects to formally launch 3G support on the same date as the iPhone.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
Apple doesn't have to count on
most of the people in China, just a select few million or so. I'm hoping they'll only have to depend on 3% to 5% of the people to buy iPhones.
I don't know what to believe about potential iPhone sales in China. Some say many people will be able to afford iPhones and other say not many. I only know that Apple has to try and sell them and some sales are better than none at all.