The Chinese cellular carrier China Unicom has finally set an local launch date for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. Customers will be able to purchase Apple's smartphone beginning October 30th. Following the initial launch, the company is expected to expand sales to its online store and Apple's retail locations.

Like Western markets, China Unicom will offer the handset for a subsidized price when tied to a two-year agreement. Subsidized pricing is expected to fall around $293 (1,999 CNY) for the 8GB model or $439 (2,999 CNY) for the 16GB variant.

Without a contract, the price is said to fall around $732 (4,999 CNY) for the 8GB iPhone 3G or $860 (5,880 CNY) for the 16GB 3GS. [via ChinaTechNews]