iPhone's Evil Twin Arrives in China

The iPhone can finally be purchased in China! Unfortunately, Apple Inc. refuses to endorse the product, it does not function properly, and sells for more than double the price of the North American model.

Those enthusiasts willing to pay 8,800 yuan ($1,170 USD) can pick up their new iPhone at electronics markets all over Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. In the United States, the iPhone can be purchased for as little as $499 in some areas. (Source: technology.canoe.ca)

Overshadowing the inflated price tag is the fact that the product does not function properly. The Chinese model can make calls and send text messages, but cannot receive any incoming calls. The voicemail function is also said to be nonexistent.

Apple is currently selling the iPhone exclusively to consumers throughout North America, where distribution is restricted to the AT&T cellular network. Hackers discovered a way to unlock the device so that it could be used on other carrier services. (Source: kutv.com)

Apple representatives spoke to an international audience recently, saying that the company was not aware of the details concerning the distribution of the Chinese iPhone. The session concluded by reaffirming that the premature sale of the iPhone in any Asian market is strictly prohibited. For the record, the iPhone went on sale last June, amidst a sea of anxious North American consumers. The device combines an interactive touch-screen interface with the media playing abilities of a video iPod.

Having the largest population of any other nation means that China consistently records the largest number of mobile phone users in the world. The market is expected to grow even further as income rises; the total number of Chinese mobile phone subscribers should reach 520 million by the end of 2007, up from 460 million at the end of 2006. (Source: technology.canoe.ca)

One small shop in Beijing has revealed that they experience at least 30 questions about the iPhone each day. The company says they are not shy in informing the inquiring consumers that the Chinese models are overpriced and not completely functional. The consumers seemingly don't care about the shortcomings of the device, they want to own one desperately and they want it now!

Apple's proper version of the iPhone is set to officially launch all over Asia in 2008.