Apple CEO Time Cook is reported to have recently visited China to meet with partner China Telecom, possibly to discuss the upcoming debut of the much rumored low-cost iPhone, and declining sales growth of the iPhone in the country.
Citing sources familiar with Cook’s meeting, tech.ifeng.com reports the Apple executive met with China Telecom’s senior leadership this week. As of this writing, the talks are supposedly over, though it is not known if Cook has returned to the U.S.
While the topic of the “secret” meeting was not revealed, the publication speculates talks could have focused on leveling sales seen during the July quarter, as well as the possible introduction of a “new generation” iPhone.
It is not clear if the “new generation” iPhone the report refers to is Apple’s usual annual iPhone update, or the expected budget model of the device.
The Chinese news site goes on to say that analysts believe Cook visited the region in order to bolster the relationships between Apple and its partners, China Telecom and China Unicom.
