Apple CEO in China for debut of iPhones using China Mobile 4G service

Tim Cook, Apple Inc's chief executive, is visiting China to meet industry executives and prepare for the debut of iPhones supporting China Mobile's 4G network, Shanghai Daily learned today from sources.

China Mobile and Apple will officially launch iPhones for the carrier's TD-LTE (time division-long term evo-lution) network on Friday, marking the long-awaited cooperation between the world's No. 1 mobile carrier and top global tech giant.

The both sides will sell new iPhones in Apple Stores and some China Mobile outlets. Neither side would reveal more details.

The deal with China Mobile will help Apple to sell at least 20 to 30 million iPhones in China's mainland. It also helps China Mobile to promote the new 4G services in its fight against archrival China Unicom, which offers popular 3G services.