Apple finally reaches China Mobile iPhone deal
Apple (AAPL) stock was up 3% in midday trading Monday on news that the iPhone maker had finally struck a distribution deal with China Mobile (CHL), the world’s largest wireless carrier. The deal was widely expected, and several times in recent weeks news organizations had jumped the gun and announced that the Apple-China Mobile deal had been signed when it wasn’t. But on Sunday, Apple announced that it had entered into a multiyear agreement to offer the iPhone on China Mobile’s 4G and 3G networks starting on Jan. 17. The iPhone 5C and 5S smartphones will be available for preregistration to China Mobile customers on Dec. 25. “We know there are many China Mobile customers and potential new customers who are anxiously awaiting the incredible combination of iPhone on China Mobile’s leading network,” China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua said in a statement. “We are delighted that iPhone on China Mobile…