China market missing from iPhone launch
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SHANGHAI - When the last version of Apple's biggest-selling gadget went on sale, China was among the first territories to offer it. That will not be the case with the iPhone 6, despite the country's importance to the US firm.
In a widely anticipated event, Apple this week unveiled the iPhone 6 with a larger screen than previous models, making the smartphone available in 10 countries and regions from September 19.
They do not include China, despite Apple launching the iPhone 5s and 5c in the country at the same time as other major markets last year.
The US tech giant's revenue in Greater China -- which includes Hong Kong and Taiwan -- is second only to its home country, and chief executive Tim Cook has said he expects it to become its biggest market in time.
No date or price has yet been given for its release on the mainland, where Apple's website was still advertising the 5s on Thursday.
Apple has not explained why China has been omitted from the first wave, prompting speculation among analysts and consumers who have pointed to Chinese regulators.
Beijing's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology does not list the iPhone 6 as having received government approval. The ministry could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
In recent months state-run Chinese media have raised the alarm over potential security risks from Apple products.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV in July accused Apple of threatening national security through the iPhone's ability to track a user's location.
Apple denied it posed any such threat.
AFP
