Two models of the iPhone 5, A1429 and A1442, were just approved by the China State Radio Management agency. This will allow Apple to soon start selling its latest iPhone in China where Apple is experiencing massive growth in product sales. As of now, we’re not sure when the iPhone 5 will launch in China, although we’re expecting it to happen soon.
Why did Apple need to get two versions of the iPhone 5 approved in China? The GSM iPhone 5, model A1429, will work on both China Unicom and possibly China Mobile’s GSM networks. At this point, China Mobile doesn’t officially support Apple’s iPhone. However, this will likely change as Tim Cook was spotted at China Mobile’s offices in Beijing during his trip to China in March. An iPhone on China Mobile would greatly benefit Apple. In fact, some analysts believe that a partnership with China Mobile could double the amount of iPhones in China. Apple’s second model, A1442, will work on China Telecom’s CDMA network.
The iPhone 5 was launched in September of 2012 and features a 4-inch screen, an A6 CPU as well as an 8-megapixel camera. Apple sold five million phones in its first weekend on the market and has been a huge success for Apple. China should allow Apple to hit even more milestones once the iPhone 5 reaches the Chinese market.