iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c available for pre-registration on December 25, 2013

Dec 23, 2013 07:31 GMT  ·  By

Apple has signed a final agreement to offer its iPhone to the world’s largest mobile network, China Mobile, which offers its services to over 700 million customers.

In a joint press release, the two companies said, “Apple and China Mobile today announced they have entered into a multi-year agreement to bring iPhone to the world's largest mobile network.”

The Chinese operator will be selling Apple’s newest iPhone models (the 5c and the 5s), and customers will be able to pre-register at China Mobile's official website (www.10086.cn) starting Wednesday, December 25, 2013.

Xi Guohua, China Mobile chairman, said, “Apple’s iPhone is very much loved by millions of customers around the world. We know there are many China Mobile customers and potential new customers who are anxiously awaiting the incredible combination of iPhone on China Mobile’s leading network.

“We are delighted that iPhone on China Mobile will support our 4G/TD-LTE and 3G/TD-SCDMA networks, providing customers with high-speed mobile service.”

Not surprisingly, Apple’s stock value is rising thanks to the announcement, which many analysts were expecting.

Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook also released a statement as part of the announcement, saying, “Apple has enormous respect for China Mobile and we are excited to begin working together.”

Reiterating earlier statements about China being a key market for the computer giant, Cook noted that Apple’s partnership with the Chinese operator “presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network.”

“iPhone customers in China are an enthusiastic and rapidly growing group, and we can’t think of a better way to welcome in the Chinese New Year than getting an iPhone into the hands of every China Mobile customer who wants one,” the Apple CEO added.