(Read Update below:)
After numerous reports of iPhone striking a deal in China, either with China mobile or China Unicom, it seems that iPhone fans in China can expect the iPhone to hit the mainland officially only in 2010 (as hinted in Q2 results by Apple). Apple’s dominating policies and demand for a high share in revenues from mobile operators are said to be the reason for the delay.
The 1st Gen Apple iPhone sold in large numbers in China (unofficially) and demand for the 3G, is certainly high. A 2010 target indicates that Apple won’t be pushing the iPhone 3.0 in China initially and that also rules out the cheaper, low end iPhone that was said to be in works specially for Asian markets.
Expecting a full featured and pro iPhone in June / July. Perhaps and upgrade later this year, but certainly no cheaper version with limited features!
Update: Dan Butterfield informs us in comments (below) that China Tech News might have misinterpreted Apple COO’s wordings while reporting this (and in that case so did we). According to him the iPhone 3G might well make it to China this year. We have previously reported that China Unicom might announce the iPhone officially around May.