Bringing the
iPhone to Europe was big, but potentially bigger for Apple is the Chinese market, which probably explains why China Mobile CEO Wang Jianzhou is in talks with the company over its much publicized handset. Mr. Jianzhou admitted in a speech at the GSM Association's Mobile Asia Congress that he doesn't like the revenue sharing agreements that Apple has managed to wrangle: you and
every other mobile executive worldwide, Wang! But who knows, maybe the fact that China Mobile has 349.66 million subscribers will be enough for Apple to make
one two very big exceptions and do a more traditional deal. Whatever happens, the Chinese market is likely to throw some curveballs at Apple's usual pitch.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jamar @ Nov 13th 2007 10:01PM
If he doesn't like it, then he can sit back and let the market do the work. iPhones are already everywhere here in China; they're pre-unlocked and jailbroken too. It costs about $450-$550 (depending on your haggling skills) but hey, it's all done for you. They still get money from subscribers, and they don't have to pay Apple this way. I know that if I get an iPhone that'll be how I get it. However, I'm waiting on an unlock for the 920SH- that's far more appealing.
Grip @ Nov 13th 2007 10:35PM
To h with the chineese they are only out to put the USA down. IF they are so smart let them come up with their own iPhone.
Chris D @ Nov 13th 2007 11:04PM
Let's be realistic here. Only a small percentage of the 300+ million subscribers will be able to afford the iPhone. Most people in China have low end phones - average cost of $20.
So, I see the revenue sharing model actually working a bit as those who can afford the iPhone, can afford a slightly higher data plan.
Note: As a consumer, I don't support their revenue sharing model...
Jamar @ Nov 14th 2007 6:04AM
Um... not quite. I see people waving around expensive phones all the time, whether it be an N95 or a 903SH. Unlike America, people here in China actually *like* the extra features and make use of them. Lord knows I don't want to carry around a bunch of gadgets when I can have one that does it all well (903SH/N95 mostly- well rounded phone/camera/online/music/etc).
Chris D @ Nov 14th 2007 8:48PM
Jamar,
Where do you live? Beijing? Shanghai? Let's remember that the majority of the people in China don't live in the big cities - and the majority of the population make dollars a day.
It's simple math.
Andrew @ Dec 1st 2007 10:43AM
Actually I did some calculations on how many people in China could potentially be iPhone customers in terms of income and they amount to several million people! Yes, most Chinese don't have that kind of money - but so what? Don't forget a huge amount of the US population is poor too. There are a lot of wealthy people in every society and they want status symbols. And don
Unregistered @ Nov 14th 2007 5:44AM
Won't the Chinese rather buy the Chinese-made iPhone ripoff instead?
Antonio @ Nov 14th 2007 7:47AM
Why don't we can the racist chatter, folks. Nothing like starting your day by reading a bunch of nim-witted generalizations.
Chris D @ Nov 14th 2007 8:47PM
Relax Antonio. I don't think what anyone said here would be considered "racist" as you so recklessly accused. Ok, maybe the "Unregistered" guy, but you're generalizing that everyone are making racist remarks.