Earlier today, Tim Cook was spotted at China Mobile’s headquarters – a mobile provider that isn’t currently partnered with Apple. Tim, who was said to be accompanied by 7-8 people, was reportedly visiting to discuss partnering over a future LTE-enabled iPhone.
China Mobile is currently the world’s largest mobile carrier, currently unable to offer the iPhone due to the TD-SCMA technology that they currently use in their cellular network, which the iPhone does not support. According to MIC Gadget, who produced the above photograph, both American and Chinese flags were seen in the lobby, and Cook appeared to be very happy.
The report indicates that Apple and China Mobile, which serves about 600 million people, may have worked out a deal to ensure that any future iPhone that supports 4G LTE cellular standards will work on China Mobile’s huge TD-LTE cellular network.
China Mobile has previously reported in May that it had reached consensus with Apple about supporting their TD-LTE network in future releases of the iPhone.
Obviously, this is a rumor, and should be taken as such… but if this is the case, then 2012 may be a big year for Apple, assuming that they do decide to adopt LTE by the time of the next iPhone’s release. iPhone 6 anyone? Yes please!
