Chinese carrier China Mobile has begun taking preorders for the upcoming iPhone 6 ahead of the device's official launch, reports China Daily. Available at China Mobile Beijing, the preorder campaign appears to be aimed at drumming up interest for Apple's new devices.

On a website, China Mobile Beijing allows users to choose between the 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6, but the carrier does not offer images of the device or a potential release date. A China Daily source has suggested Chinese customers may receive the iPhone 6 as early as mid-month, however, which would be in line with previous rumors and past device release timelines.

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Mockup of 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 depicted with iPhone 5s

China Mobile's preorder campaign also confirmed rumors that Apple will release larger screens for the device as buyers are asked to choose either a 4.7-inch version or a 5.5-inch one. The iPhone 5S has a 4-inch screen.

The program is available only in Beijing and, as of Tuesday evening, had attracted more than 33,000 orders. It remains unclear when the buyers can get the device. A person familiar with the matter told China Daily the first iPhone 6 could be distributed to Chinese customers as early as mid-month.

As of Tuesday evening in China, the campaign had garnered more than 33,000 orders, pointing towards strong interest in the iPhone 6. Analysts have predicted that the launch of the iPhone 6 could see a massive spike in upgraders and Android switchers, due to its larger display and redesigned chassis.

China Mobile, the world's largest mobile carrier with more than 700 million subscribers, first began carrying the iPhone in January of 2014, after extended negotiations with Apple. Apple CEO Tim Cook called inking a deal with China Mobile a "watershed" moment," allowing the company to reach millions of new customers and significantly expand its presence in China.

As it marks an opportunity for significant growth, China has become an increasingly important market for Apple. Tim Cook visited the country multiple times in 2013 and Apple has opened several retail stores in China in 2014, including locations in Wuxi, Chongqing, and Beijing.

Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 6 at a September 9 media event, which may also include the debut of its wearable device and a payment initiative. Though Apple is expected to preview both the 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 models, it is unclear if both devices will be available to launch at the same time due to production difficulties with the larger phone.

Top Rated Comments

lincolntran Avatar
114 months ago
iPhone 6 will take back all the switchers that are currently unhappy with androids or as Tim Cook said "made a mistake". It'll also take all the people who are on the fence and people who have to stuck with androids because they want a big screen.

An upward spike for iPhone but a downward spike for androids. It won't be a pretty picture for androids
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newyorksole Avatar
114 months ago
iPhone 6 will sell millions in China like hot cake :rolleyes:

You mean Hot CakeS . Did you leave off the 'S' on purpose ? ;)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nfl46 Avatar
114 months ago
Must be nice to be Tim Cook the rest of the year. Apple is about to my a (s) load of money!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
YoitsTmac Avatar
114 months ago
I too, would like to pre-order my pre-order back home in America
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kdarling Avatar
114 months ago
33,000 over multiple hours doesn't sound like a lot. Xiaomi gets 100,000 orders in 30 minutes.

So my big question is:

Were the prices stated in the China Mobile website? Maybe that's what held people back.

It'd be hard to believe that word didn't spread quickly.

--

Edit: aha, apparently it wasn't actual paid pre-orders. Just reservations. Which makes the low number even stranger, as you'd think that tons of people would pre-register simply to sell their early place in line.

.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Milese3 Avatar
114 months ago
This, could potentially prove the existence of the larger 5.5" iPhone 6.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)