Apple waters down iPhone China deal

APPLE   iPHONE   MOBILE

China - China Unicom said discussions are "still underway" about the Hong Kong-listed mobile company launching iPhone in China, despite reports saying a deal has already been struck.

Reuters, quoting the Shanghai Securities News, said Apple has struck an exclusive three year deal with China Unicom sell its iPhone in Mainland China.

Reuters said China Unicom will purchase iPhones from Apple for 3,000 yuan and guarantee annual sales of 1 million to 2 million units.

China Unicom has been in a battle with China Mobile for rights to sell iPhone in China.

Apple's Hong Kong spokesperson Jill Tan said there was no official statement from the company.

"There has been a lot of rumour and speculation and we would rather not comment," she said.

Sophia Tso, deputy general manager of corporate communications at China Unicom, added there was no formal announcement and discussions were still underway.

In April, Apple COO Tim Cook said the iPhone would be available in China within a year but the comapny has had to overcome regulatory hurdles, including China's request that it removes Wi-Fi access. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

More quality Lighthouse titles

Managing people? For HR and leadership strategy, Human Resources has it covered.

Want to get on the right side of the procurement department?
Direct them to Procurement Asia.