The world's largest wireless carrier is planning to introduce a new brand to its service on December 18. November 21, 2013 7:11 AM PST (Credit: Apple) China Mobile, the world's largest wireless carrier, will unveil a new brand partner on December 18. The company announced the news on Thursday, but wouldn't say which firm would be its latest partner. That hasn't stopped the rumor mill, however, from speculating that Apple will be on stage with the China Mobile team announcing its iPhone is coming to the carrier's network. Apple has been courting China Mobile for years. The companies were unable to ink deals for a wide array of reasons, including China Mobile's network limitations and claims that the carrier once wanted a piece of App Store revenue from its customers that bought apps through the marketplace. Now that the network issue has been resolved, Tim Cook has spent considerable time in China and is believed to have been in discussions with the carrier to get its iPhone to the network. Related stories Apple job post suggests iPhone deal with China Mobile near iPhone to soon land at China Mobile, suggests leaked poster Apple's next iPhone headed to China Mobile -- report China Mobile chairman: Talks with Apple 'still ongoing' Apple's Tim Cook, China Mobile strike up talks yet again China is arguably the most important market for any device maker, let alone Apple. The iPhone maker is already competing in China with its iPhone on China Unicom and China Telecom, but with nearly 760 million subscribers across the country, China Mobile is the crown jewel. Although the December 18 event could play host to the unveiling of the iPhone on China Mobile, there's a chance it won't. For years, rumors have swirled that Apple would be coming to China Mobile, and each time, that didn't happen. CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the announcement. We will update this story when we have more information. (Via Wall Street Journal)
The world's largest wireless carrier is planning to introduce a new brand to its service on December 18.
(Credit: Apple)
China Mobile, the world's largest wireless carrier, will unveil a new brand partner on December 18.
The company announced the news on Thursday, but wouldn't say which firm would be its latest partner. That hasn't stopped the rumor mill, however, from speculating that Apple will be on stage with the China Mobile team announcing its iPhone is coming to the carrier's network.
Apple has been courting China Mobile for years. The companies were unable to ink deals for a wide array of reasons, including China Mobile's network limitations and claims that the carrier once wanted a piece of App Store revenue from its customers that bought apps through the marketplace. Now that the network issue has been resolved, Tim Cook has spent considerable time in China and is believed to have been in discussions with the carrier to get its iPhone to the network.
Related stories
- Apple job post suggests iPhone deal with China Mobile near
- iPhone to soon land at China Mobile, suggests leaked poster
- Apple's next iPhone headed to China Mobile -- report
- China Mobile chairman: Talks with Apple 'still ongoing'
- Apple's Tim Cook, China Mobile strike up talks yet again
China is arguably the most important market for any device maker, let alone Apple. The iPhone maker is already competing in China with its iPhone on China Unicom and China Telecom, but with nearly 760 million subscribers across the country, China Mobile is the crown jewel.
Although the December 18 event could play host to the unveiling of the iPhone on China Mobile, there's a chance it won't. For years, rumors have swirled that Apple would be coming to China Mobile, and each time, that didn't happen.
CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the announcement. We will update this story when we have more information.
(Via Wall Street Journal)
