Wednesday Apple Rumors: China Event May Signal Major iPhone Deal

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daily apple rumors AAPLHere are your Apple rumors and AAPL news items for today:

Harbinger: Next week, Apple (AAPL) is holding two special media events, AppleInsider notes. The first event, on September 10, will be held at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, where it is widely expected to unveil two new versions of the iPhone — a new iPhone 5S flagship handset and a lower-priced iPhone 5C. It will mark the first time the company has debuted two new iPhones at once. Hours later, it will hold a special event in Beijing, which will happen on September 11, local time. Invitations sent to Chinese media outlets featured the same design as invitations for the California event. Apple has never held a second event to unveil mobile products in other markets. Plans for the Chinese media event have drawn speculation that Apple could be ready to announce a deal with the world’s largest wireless carrier China Mobile (CHL). While the iPhone is carried by the second and third largest wireless carriers in China, the massive China Mobile has previously balked at Apple’s contractual demands. However, in recent months China Mobile has been rumored to be in negotiations with Apple to carry the iPhone. Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China and reportedly met with China Mobile executives. A deal with China Mobile would be critical for the iPhone-maker, whose share of the Chinese market is slipping. The iPhone 5C is generally thought to be aimed at emerging markets like China.

Surprise Debut?: While Apple is all but certain to unveil its new iPhones at next week’s event, it may also be ready to debut another product, GigaOm notes. Industry research firm Panjiva discovered import documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicating that Apple recently received three large shipments of “set top boxes” from a Chinese manufacturer. The shipments were delivered last month and totaled more than 23 metric tons. The supplier was identified as BYD Precision Manufacture. The shipments were labelled: “Set Top Box with Communication Function.” Apple hasn’t updated its Apple TV media streaming device since last year. It has also been rumored to be developing a new TV set top box, featuring a new user interface. The timing of the shipments could signal Apple’s intention to unveil either an updated Apple TV or a new set top box at next week’s media event.

Committed: Despite a number of setbacks, Apple is moving forward with plans to complete an Apple Store in Brisbane, Australia, ifoAppleStore notes. Construction on the store came to a stop last year when the primary contractor filed for bankruptcy. The company also encountered resistance with planned changes to the historic MacArthur Chambers building where the store will be located. The building served as the headquarter for U.S. South West Pacific Area operations during World War II and takes its name from General Douglas MacArthur who based his command there. With work stalled, speculation grew that Apple had simply decided to cancel the project. However, last week, the company filed revised construction plans with local officials, signaling that it plans to complete the store. No completion data was mentioned in the filings, though some suggest the store could open by the end of the year.

For more about the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors stories.


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