Apple Signs Deal With China Mobile

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

NPR business news starts with China getting a bigger bite of the apple.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

INSKEEP: Technically, it may be Apple will be getting a bigger bite of China. In any case, China and Apple have announced a deal to bring the iPhone to the world's biggest wireless network.

This agreement gives Apple access to China Mobile's 700 Million-plus customers. One company with twice as many customers and more that there are people in the United States. It's a big boost for Apple, which has lagged behind Samsung and local brands in the Chinese market.

The iPhone's high price has put it out of reach for many Chinese consumers. And neither Apple nor China Mobile have announced pricing.

China Mobile will begin registering orders for iPhones this week. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.