For the first time in iPhone history, Apple will hold a dedicated media event inside of China next Wednesday, September 11th, to formally introduce its next-generation device – or devices – and outline the company’s robust plans for Chinese consumers.
As MMW reported yesterday, Apple confirmed that it will hold a media event next Tuesday, September 10th to unveil the iPhone 5S and possibly the low-cost entry-level plastic iPhone 5C.
But following the distribution of media invites in China today, some are speculating that the domestic September 10th event will be used to premiere the iPhone 5S, while the following day’s Chinese media event will be used to unveil the iPhone 5C.
The event has fueled speculation that Apple may announce a long-awaited deal with China Mobile Ltd, which is the world’s biggest mobile phone company by customers and the only one of China’s big carriers that does not have an agreement with the U.S. tech giant.
“I think the primary purpose of the event will be for a new product launch,” Sandy Shen, a research director with consultancy Gartner in Shanghai, tells Reuters. “Though an announcement with China Mobile is possible… I won’t hold my breath.”
China’s media event will originate from Beijing, beginning at 10 a.m. local time Wednesday.
