Apple CEO Steve Jobs yesterday revealed that the company plans to launch its 3G iPhone in the mainland China market later this year. "However, we still need to wait for approval from the regulatory authority".

One industry insider pointed out that after China's telecom industry restructuring, China Unicom (NYSE: CHU; 0762.HK; 600050.SH) is expected to obtain a WCDMA license, and, as Apple's 3G iPhone supports the WCDMA standard, it might therefore be Unicom that launches the 3G iPhone in China.

China Unicom denied knowledge of any related news. Apple China also refrained from commenting on the issue.

Source:CE.cn