The iPhone In China

No matter the fact that China probably has a dozen iPhone clones available already, and even original Apple iPhones, which can be found through gray imports, Apple will release this phone there officially sooner or later, but before that...let's take a look at what they should expect to encounter in the Chinese market, and what's the opinion of consumers regarding the iPhone!
Despite the fact purchasing power in China is lower than in most other parts of the world, think about the fact they have no less than 565 mobile phone users! Even more, Chinese consumers are trend-conscious, and the iPhone is pretty well known to them already, as a recent study has proven...

In Pearl Research's study, interesting facts emerged, and I will only quote a few:

- Obviously, the high price tag of the iPhone is the main reason for disinterest in purchasing it, as well as Apple's lack of experience in the mobile phones field, but...

- ...around 68 percent of those intereviewed heard of Apple's mobile already.

- Leaving aside "trendiness" and "design," quoted by women as reasons to grab the iPhone, and "utility," quoted by men, it seems the ease to use the Internet on the iPhone won't make many Chinese users go "Wow," because local carriers have "WOW!!!" prices for such services.

- At last, almost 90 percent of the iPod owners have shown their interest in the iPhone, so Apple managed to have some loyal followers in China, too!

Unfortunately, considering the $200-$300 iPhone clones available on the local market, Apple is going to face a really serious challenge, once they release the iPhone in China, but I guess we should wait and see what happens, and when.