Apple signs iPhone deal with China MobileDecember 23, 2013 - 12:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. technology giant Apple has signed a deal to bring its iPhone to China Mobile - the world's largest carrier, BBC News reports. The Chinese firm has more than 760 million subscribers and was one of three networks to be awarded China's first 4G licenses earlier this month. Apple has been looking to boost its sales in China, the world's largest smartphone market, but has struggled amid growing competition from rivals. The latest deal is expected to help it increase its market share. "China is an extremely important market for Apple," Tim Cook, Apple chief executive, said in a statement. "Our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network." Earlier this year, Cook said he expected China to replace North America as Apple's largest source of revenue. The iPhone is the firm's most important product in terms of earnings power. China two other major phone carriers, China Unicom and China Telecom, already offer iPhones to their subscribers. China is the world's biggest smartphone-using country, with 1.2 billion users. But Chinese sales of previous iPhone models have slumped recently, as consumers have turned to cheaper rival handsets from Samsung, and domestic Chinese developers. China's three bestselling smartphone makers are Samsung, Lenovo and Coolpad, according to a recent report by the consultants IDC. Apple's sales have also been impacted by the fact that unlike in developed markets, many phone carriers in emerging markets do not subsidize smartphones. That means that subscribers have to pay the full amount for the phone upfront, making Apple's products relatively expensive for some buyers, the BBC says. In an attempt to take on the low-cost rivals Apple unveiled a relatively cheaper version of the iPhone, the 5c, earlier this year. Analysts said the firm was hoping that a cheaper handset combined with a deal with the biggest mobile carrier in the world may help it take on rivals. However, Apple is yet to announce how much Chinese customers will have to pay for the iphone 5s and 5c models sold via China Mobile. Related links: Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. |