14 DAY TRIAL // After receiving approval from Chinese state regulators, Apple has finally confirmed the official launch date of its brand new iPhone 6 devices in the country. Pre-orders start even earlier.
In the press release (embedded below), Apple relays its intentions to offer the handsets on October 17 through various points of sale, including retailers, carriers, resellers, and its own stores.
October 17 launch date
Expect reports of people queuing up in the day(s) leading up to Apple’s launch event. It’s usually the case everywhere else in the world, and we don’t expect China to have settled down since the last iPhone launch.
The company calls the two smartphones “the biggest advancements in iPhone history,” adding that customers will be able to buy them “beginning Friday, October 17 from the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, and an expansive network of retail stores through all three major carriers and Apple Authorized Resellers.”
“We are thrilled to bring iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to our customers in China on all three carriers at launch,” says Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. “With support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers will have access to high-speed mobile networks from China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom for an incredible experience.”
#Bendgate fear
Some people will undoubtedly hold off their purchase until they see how their friends’ iPhone 6 Plus handsets hold up to normal use. It’s a normal reaction, considering all the bending reports out there. But it’s also worth noting that this too happens every year, and every time it’s confirmed as overblown.
Apple so far has confirmed only 10 recorded bending accidents, presumably from sitting on the device, and has agreed to replace those phones under warranty. Normally, this type of “accidental” damage wouldn’t cover a replacement, but Apple doesn’t need any more bad press.
Wireless capabilities, pre-orders
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus will offer support for China’s TD-LTE and FDD-LTE networks and 4G/LTE networks from China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, according to the announcement.
As far as pre-ordering goes, the most anxious Chinese Apple fans can secure their own unit on Friday, October 10, Apple says. This can only be done at the Apple Online Store. Additionally, customers will be able to reserve an iPhone 6 for in-store pick-up (on launch date) beginning Tuesday, October 14.
iPhone 6 will start at 5,288 RMB (€677 / $860) for the 16GB model, which is considerably more expensive than in other parts of the world. The prices for the higher-specced configurations run accordingly.