11/03, 11:10am
Numbers a minute fraction of major launches
China Unicom has only acquired a little over 5,000 iPhone subscribers since officially introducing the device last weekend, according to Reuters. Nearly 300 people attended a Friday launch ceremony at a Unicom store in Beijing, but actual sales have been marginal, paling in comparison to other countries. On the original launch weekend of the iPhone 3GS, Apple sold over 1 million units divided between just eight countries.
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10/30, 10:10am
Event marks culmination of long negotiations
Apple has officially launched the iPhone in China to relatively warm response, at least in Beijing, reports say. The device became available at 6:30PM local time on Friday, first through a China Unicom flagship store after a ceremony attended by Apple VP Greg Joswiak. Although there were no overnight lines as at some launches, just under 300 people are said to waited in front of the store for a chance to buy the product.
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10/26, 5:00pm
May legitimize many Chinese devices
Some users of gray-market iPhones will soon be eligible for an amnesty in China, writes the China Business Times. Official products for the region are set to go on sale later this week, after an unusually long negotiation period with Apple. Prices will be considerably higher than many Chinese are able to afford however, which could lead a number to choose unlocked import phones, which are also frequently less expensive.
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10/14, 3:35pm
Handset to be available at the end of the month
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.
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09/28, 10:05am
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.
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09/25, 8:45am
8GB iPhone to cost $300 up front
The latest report on the Chinese iPhone launch suggests the device will be offered for a meager sum of 126 yuan (~$18.45 USD) per month with the most affordable plan and a two-year service contract, according to the Xinhua News Agency. The information allegedly comes from an unnamed insider at China Unicom.
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09/23, 2:30am
Two year contracts available with 8GB, 16GB iPhone
Chinese mobile phone provider China Unicom is expected to begin selling the iPhone next month. Users will be tied to a two year contract with a $27 (186 CNY) monthly charge and can purchase either the 8GB iPhone for $293 (1,999 CNY) or the 16GB version for $439 (2,999 CNY). The telecommunications company believes it will sell more than five million iPhone units over a three year period, according to the China Times.
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09/01, 12:10pm
China Mobile iPhone talks
China Mobile is indeed still in talks with Apple regarding the iPhone, a spokeswoman for the carrier says. The disclosure follows an Apple admission on Monday, stating that a three-year deal with China Unicom is not exclusive, in theory allowing for increased competition. The China Mobile representative has refused to describe the state of negotiations, other than to say that no conclusion has been reached.
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08/31, 11:45am
China iPhone not exclusive
The fresh China Unicom iPhone deal is not an exclusive one, an Apple spokeswoman has confirmed. The deal was cemented only after months of negotiations, and a series of hurdles including revenue sharing demands, and government restrictions on Wi-Fi. Unicom also faced pressure from China Mobile, the country's largest cellphone carrier, which was simultaneously trying to secure a contract.
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08/27, 9:45am
Chinese iPhone on Friday?
The announcement of an China Unicom iPhone deal could arrive as soon as Friday, Reuters claims. The agency cites an anonymous analyst, who in turn claims to have learned the information from a direct industry source. Unicom is holding a financial results presentation on Friday, and a carrier spokeswoman confirms that the iPhone will likely come up as a subject of discussion. She has declined to say, however, whether or not a finalized deal will be disclosed.
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08/26, 10:40pm
Chinese iPhone release
Apple is nearly prepared to start selling iPhones in China, the company's largest untapped mobile phone market, says the Wall Street Journal. A testing center under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirmed an iPhone prototype -- modified for the Chinese market -- recently received one of the technical licenses the government requires for mobile phones. Apple must still obtain an unknown number of licenses before it will be able to launch the iPhone in China. Analysts have also suggested Apple has nearly completed negotiations with state-owned wireless operator China Unicom.
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08/14, 1:55pm
China holds on web filters
The Chinese government has relented in its plans to impose web filtering software on computers, a statement from the country's industry and technology minister suggests. Li Yizhong claims that the Communist Party will "absolutely not" force installation of Green Dam-Youth Escort on every computer sold in the country, despite the fears of both corporations and political dissenters. Nominally meant to block pornography, critics have claimed that the software could easily be used to extend censorship beyond current network filtering techniques.
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08/14, 12:40pm
Unicom denies iPhone order
China Unicom is again denying reports that it has closed a deal with Apple, according to the Associated Press. "Talks between us and Apple have been going on for some time, but no agreement has been reached yet," says Unicom spokesman Yi Difei. "There are all kinds of possibilities. There is no particular timetable for the talks," he elaborates.
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08/13, 9:45am
China Unicom iPhone order
China Unicom has ordered an extremely large number of iPhones for an initial wave of sales, says the International Business Times. Quoting local media sources, the Times claims that Unicom has ordered 5 million units from Apple, at a price of 10 billion yuan. Each phone is thus worth roughly 2,000 yuan, or $293, before markup.
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08/04, 2:50pm
China iPhone for 2010
Kaufman Brothers analyst Shaw Wu has reiterated his belief that China Unicom is the front-runner for the iPhone's introduction into the Chinese market, although the device may not be ready for a local launch until closer to the Chinese New Year in February of 2010. Wu also diverges from several other analysts regarding the rumored tablet device, which he expects to land in 2010 instead of 2009.
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08/04, 12:10pm
Apple field trip to China
Apple executives are scheduled to fly into China this week, according to a source identified by regional news site Sina. The officials are specifically said to be heading to Beijing, with the express purpose of discussing the iPhone with peers at China Unicom. Apple executives may also be meeting with officials from the country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which has been handling testing for a local model.
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07/28, 12:50am
China Unicom gets iPhone?
(Updated with Unicom response) China Unicom has allegedly landed a three-year contract for the exclusive rights to local iPhone distribution, according to a Shanghai Securities News report. The deal, described by unnamed sources, is said to extend for three years and guarantees annual sales of 1 million to 2 million units.
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07/27, 12:05pm
Foxconn blames dead worker
The Foxconn worker who killed himself in mid-July, Sun Danyong, may not have been wholly innocent, claims the company's general manager for China, James Lee. Interviewed by the New York Times, Lee notes that products went missing several times under Danyong's watch, although they would always return. The disappearance of a fourth-generation iPhone prototype -- immediately preceding Danyong's death -- is said to have raised suspicions. "We don't know who took the product, but it was at his stop," says Lee.
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07/24, 11:35am
Apple to stay with Foxconn
Apple is unlikely to drop Foxconn as a manufacturing partner, in spite of the implications of a worker's suicide, industry sources in Taiwan suggest. The worker, Sun Danyong, jumped off a building on July 16th following an incident involving a missing iPhone prototype. Although Danyong informed his superiors about the missing device, he was treated to a harsh interrogation by Foxconn security, including solitary confinement and a search of his home. It is also alleged that Danyong may have been beaten.
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07/21, 3:15pm
iPhone-related suicide
Apple has confirmed the suicide of a Foxconn employee working in China, according to reports. Foxconn is one of Apple's largest manufacturing partners, responsible for assembling both the iPod and the iPhone. The worker, 25-year-old Sun Danyong, had been assigned to shipping iPhone prototypes to Apple.
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07/15, 2:10pm
China iPhone details
As Apple continues to negotiation with China Unicom, an anonymous source has told NetEase that Foxconn is already mass producing a special version of the iPhone 3G for use on Chinese networks. The device is allegedly code-named "90" by the supplier, while the standard 3G model is known as "82" and the new 3GS handset is named "88."
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07/10, 4:10pm
Chinese iPhone in months?
(Updated with Wi-Fi info) A Chinese iPhone is due by the end of the year, and possibly sooner, according to Wedge Partners. The research firm says it has performed a series of checks, which reveal that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has received an iPhone for testing. Apple should thus be in position to receive a network license in 2009, possibly within three to four months.
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07/06, 11:05am
Chinese iPhone war
In spite of a recent Merrill Lynch report, no deal has been finalized for a Chinese iPhone, claims Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu. While China Unicom is still considered the frontrunner for a distribution agreement with Apple, the only alternative carrier in the region -- China Mobile -- is said by industry sources to be persisting in negotiations. The company has the distinct advantage of a larger subscriber base, at 488 million.
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06/19, 10:35am
China Unicom iPhone done?
A pact between Apple and cellular carrier China Unicom may already be sealed, according to Merrill Lynch analyst Cynthia Meng. "Our industry checks reveal that Unicom and Apple have most likely reached a deal for an exclusive 2-plus year agreement," reads a Meng note obtained by Reuters. "We expect iPhone products to be available in conjunction with the Unicom commercial scale 3G launch in Q4, starting on Oct 1." A Unicom spokeswoman insists that the two companies are still in talks, and has refused to comment further on Meng's claims.
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06/11, 9:55am
Chinese iPhone deal near
After more than a year of efforts, a deal for a Chinese iPhone may finally be nearing completion, writes IDG. An unidentified Apple phone has appeared in the approved product list of the State Wireless Inspection Center, having last month been granted clearance for an assigned frequency range for up to five years. Apple is also said to have posted an ad for a Beijing-based worker, who would oversee creating training material for Asian iPhone carriers.
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05/26, 7:50pm
HP recalls 15K batteries
Hewlett-Packard has recalled 15,000 batteries contained in notebooks distributed across China, as the lithium-ion cells are known to potentially overheat, according to Reuters. The affected devices include HP Pavillion, Compaq Presario and HP Compaq models manufactured between late 2007 and early 2008. China's quality-control regulator, AQSIQ, suggests the batteries pose a fire hazard when used in extreme conditions.
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05/20, 9:55am
Foxconn iPhone apps
Members of Foxconn Electronics' research and development team are working on iPhone applications, claim industry sources from Taiwan. Foxconn is itself based in Taiwan, and known to be the primary manufacturer behind the iPhone 3G. The apps are believed to be written in one or more forms Chinese, with the specific intent of promoting the iPhone in China.
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04/13, 11:05am
4 million iPhones ordered?
Apple has ordered the production of four million next-generation iPhones, claims the Chinese-language newspaper the Commercial Times. Delivery is expected by the end of the current quarter, ending in June, which could presage shipment to stores in late June or early July. A formal unveiling of new phones is anticipated at this year's WWDC event in San Francisco, scheduled to start June 8th.
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03/30, 2:55pm
China Unicom deal delay?
A deal between Apple and China Unicom is unlikely to take place in the near future, says Wedge Partners. The research firm notes that while Unicom is now often seen as close to becoming the official Chinese iPhone carrier, a variety of factors suggest that a deal could be delayed for months more. Central among these is a new list of phones to be authorized for the company's 3G network, which include a number of other major manufacturers, but not Apple.
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03/27, 4:05pm
BoA on Chinese iPhone
Apple could control as much as 20 percent of the smartphone market in China if it launches the iPhone there, argues Bank of America analyst Scott Craig. The data is said to be based on Apple's own assertions, as exposed through sources in the company's Asian supply chain. Apple feels it can easily meet the 20 percent target, according to Craig, and may even believe it can do better if given the right circumstances.
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03/24, 1:30pm
China Unicom iPhone specs
Cellphone carrier China Unicom is now hosting images and specifications for the iPhone 3G -- as well as the Android-based G1 -- on one of its websites, reports observe. The content is only associated with the Shanghai branch at the moment, and does not suggest any sales information, such as release dates. Animations also inaccurately depict the iPhone as supporting payments through near-field communication.
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03/19, 12:05pm
China Mobile talks persist
Cellphone carrier China Mobile remains in talks with Apple, the company's CEO claims. "We have been discussing with Apple, but until now no agreement has been reached," Wang Jianzhou explained to reporters following an annual results announcement. The executive went on to insist that the company is entirely open to outsiders, so long as there is profit to be made, according to Agence France Presse.
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03/04, 11:05am
Cn. Unicom chair on iPhone
The chairman of China Unicom, Chang Xiaobing, has admitted to talks with Apple in regards to selling the iPhone in China, Reuters reports. Although a manager is said to have confirmed the information early last month, Xiaobing himself has not spoken about negotiations until today. "We are in talks with many handset suppliers, including Apple," the executive told gathered reporters at an event.
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02/18, 1:25pm
Meizu M8 ships to stores
Chinese maker Meizu has at last officially launched the M8, a phone widely seen as an attempt to clone Apple's iPhone. Though technically already available for a short space of time, the M8 has only now left testing status, losing Wi-Fi support, likely in accordance with Chinese law. An 8GB model is selling for 2,380 yuan ($348), while a 16GB version costs 2,880 yuan ($421).
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02/12, 4:10pm
C. Unicom iPhone talks
China Unicom is in talks to carry the iPhone, say Chinese publications. China Business News says it has received confirmation from a manager, and also learned that negotiations are being led by board chairman Chang Xiaobing. A source within the company claims that talks have actually been off and on with Apple since October, but are being held up by several obstacles, including business and legal issues.
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02/09, 10:10am
Chinese iPhone talks stop
Distribution of apps has led to another breakdown in talks between Apple and China Mobile, according to Interfax China. A source for the news agency claims that China Mobile president Wang Jianzhou recently visited the company's Research Institute, and explained in detail how talks with Apple have stalled not only recently but three times over the course of 18 months. China Mobile wants considerably more control than Apple is willing to give, the source suggests.
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01/20, 10:20am
Second-hand Apple China
Online sales of refurbished Apple gear have begun in China, according to a company announcement. As in the United States and a number of other countries, the Chinese program takes products returned to Apple and submits them for quality testing; approved products are then resold at a lower cost. Reuters notes that prices for major refurbished products range from 308 yuan ($44) for an iPod shuffle, to more than 14,000 yuan ($2,047) for an iMac.
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12/31, 9:15am
Nokia 6208c stylus phone
Finland's Nokia has revealed the existence of the 6208c, a new touchscreen phone. The phone is aimed primarily at Chinese speakers around the world, and supports Chinese-language input from a stylus designed to resemble a bamboo slip. The phone's color display, otherwise described only as "large," is said to be modeled after a traditional Chinese ink stone. The rest of the device uses more modern design cues, and is built of material such as stainless steel.
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12/03, 10:00pm
Apple trademark win
Apple this week has won a trademark infringement lawsuit against a Chinese electronics company. New Apple Concept Digital Technology Co. was ordered to pay 400,000 yuan (~$58,000 USD), completing a battle between the two companies that began in 2006 when the Shenzhen-based manufacturer was ordered to stop using its trademark, according to China Central Television. New Apple Concept had used a logo that featured an apple with the characteristic missing bite.
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11/18, 6:05pm
iPhone China negotiations
The negotiations between Apple and China Mobile are progressing toward an iPhone launch in the 600 million subscriber country, according to MarketWatch. Although non-disclosure agreements prohibited the carrier's chairman and chief executive, Wang Jianzhou, from providing any details or confirmation, he did speak highly of the American phone manufacturer, saying it was "very, very, successful" with the iPhone and App Store. "All I can say is that China is still interested in [bringing the] iPhone into China Mobile markets," he added.
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11/17, 10:25am
Taiwanese iPhone in Dec.
The iPhone should launch in Taiwan sometime next month, carrier Chunghwa Telecom has announced. The company says it should be the phone's exclusive carrier on the island for the foreseeable future, and has set a rough timeframe of December 2008. No subscription plans have been announced, nor has Chunghwa provided an estimate of phone prices. The carrier will however have to compete with gray-market phones from New Zealand, Hong Kong and even the US, which have been selling for the equivalent of $667 or more.
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11/14, 2:35pm
Chinese iPod lawsuit
Apple and two affiliated companies have been sued in China for patent infringement, according to People's Daily Online. Two Beijing residents, Cai Yaohua and Chen Shaohua, are said to hold a patent for an intelligent audio server; the individuals believe that their technology is being used illegally in iPods, as well as a number of other players. The case will bring Apple, Apple Computer Trading, and Whuan COODOO before the Wuan Intermediate People's Court. The patent in question was applied for in 1996, and finally granted in 2002.
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11/13, 4:10pm
China iPhone job posting
Apple may be closer to bringing the iPhone to China, a new job offer posting suggests. The company is looking for an iPhone Quality Assurance Engineer, to be located in Beijing. China represents an enormous market for mobile phones, but negotiations for the iPhone may have lasted longer than expected. Shortly before the iPhone 3G launch, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told CNBC that Chinese and Russian announcements would "happen later this year." The Russian launch occurred early in October, but the company has been quiet about any progress in China.
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10/29, 11:50am
New anti-censorship group
Google, Microsoft and Yahoo are among the founding members of a new anti-censorship group called the Global Network Initiative, reports indicate. The organization also has the backing of investor, human rights and press freedom groups, such as the Center for Democracy and Technology. The GNI is specifically aimed at forming a consistent approach to dealing with countries that block free speech on the Internet, such as China. Many governments around the world filter search results, or simply prevent citizens from accessing certain websites.
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09/25, 4:00pm
Unlocked Hong Kong iPhone
The iPhone 3G is now on sale directly from Apple in the city of Hong Kong, despite no prior announcements, listings reveal. An 8GB phone is selling for $5,400 HK ($692), while a 16GB model costs $6,200 HK ($794). Notably, iPhones in the region can be "activated with any wireless carrier," according to Apple, and require only that a carrier's SIM card be installed prior to sync with iTunes 8.
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09/02, 9:15am
Apple, China Mobile ready?
Apple and China Mobile are in fact in the "final stages" of negotiations for brining the iPhone to China, writes the state-owned 21st Century Business Herald. The account follows a report from China Communications, which claimed similar progress in talks, and that China Mobile was ready to provide a hefty subsidy, similar to that provided in other countries. The assistance is particularly important in China, where the majority cannot afford an unsubsidized smartphone.
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08/29, 11:40am
Cn. Mobile iPhone subsidy?
China's largest cellphone carrier -- China Mobile -- may be ready to subsidize the iPhone in its home country, says JLM Pacific Epoch. The research firm cites China Communications, which in turns quotes a source close to China Mobile. The source claims that the carrier is close to finishing negotiations with Apple for the iPhone 3G, and as part of the deal, China Mobile would provide a significant subsidy for each unit.
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08/26, 10:15am
China resumes iTunes
Access to Apple's iTunes Store is once again available in China, although some content is no longer visible, according to SFGate. The service was apparently blocked by the Chinese regime last week; a controversial pro-Tibet album, however, is still unavailable to shoppers in the country. The album is suspected as the main reason for the earlier blockage of iTunes.
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08/22, 5:30pm
Apple looks into iTunes
As a result of access to the Chinese iTunes Store being blocked by the government, an Apple official has come forward to comment on the matter, saying that an investigation is ongoing. According to MarketWatch, Apple China spokeswoman Huang Yuna reported the company is aware of the problem, but denies being able to add any clarity in the matter. It is uncertain whether access was blocked due to the release of a pro-Tibet music album, or the flurry of more than 400 comments between nationals and those for Tibet's freedom.
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08/21, 10:05am
China blocks iTunes
The Chinese government is now blocking access to the iTunes Store as a result of pro-Tibetan content, writes the Sydney Morning Herald. The regime recently learned that Olympic athletes have been downloading an album called Songs for Tibet, with tracks by artists like Moby, Sting and Suzanne Vega. While in support of "peace-related projects" associated with the Dalai Lama, the album is also a form of protest against China's 1950 invasion of Tibet, and its continuing suppression of political and religious freedoms.
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