After China Mobile sugar rush, Apple will fight for customers

Published
0

BEIJING: For all the hype, Apple Inc's long-awaited iPhone agreement with China Mobile Ltd may deliver little more than a fleeting revenue jolt for the US giant.

A deal with the world's largest mobile carrier, expected as early as this week, nets Apple 759 million potential new customers that could generate $3 billion in 2014 revenue, or nearly one-quarter of Apple's projected revenue growth in its current fiscal year.

But after the initial haul, Apple will find itself in a familiar, expensive battle with its main smartphone rival, South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, to win over customers, one wallet at a time.

Opinion

Editorial

Lagging behind
Updated 15 Oct, 2026

Lagging behind

The immediate task is to contain inflation and protect vulnerable households without reviving unsustainable subsidies or excessive demand.
India voter purge
Updated 15 Oct, 2026

India voter purge

Earlier, the BJP and its Hindutva cohorts could get away with trampling the rights of Indian Muslims, but now their shenanigans are not working.
Multan derailment
15 Oct, 2026

Multan derailment

IN numerous states, including many of Pakistan’s neighbours, rail transport is a safe and affordable mode of...
Narrative confusion
Updated 14 Oct, 2026

Narrative confusion

The centre must say clearly how long it intends it to last, what it hopes to achieve in that time, and how the province’s elected mandate will be restored.
El Niño’s long reach
14 Oct, 2026

El Niño’s long reach

THE extraordinary El Niño gathering strength in the Pacific could make 2026 the hottest year on record, with 2027...
Deeper poverty
Updated 14 Oct, 2026

Deeper poverty

PAKISTAN’S poverty crisis is far deeper than official indicators suggest. While the government celebrates economic...