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Apple clears regulatory approval to sell iPhone 6 in China

Chinese authorities issue license to Apple allowing the latest version of its device to be used on the country's wireless network in the world's largest smartphone market.

Charles Cooper Former Executive Editor / News
Charles Cooper was an executive editor at CNET News. He has covered technology and business for more than 25 years, working at CBSNews.com, the Associated Press, Computer & Software News, Computer Shopper, PC Week, and ZDNet.
Charles Cooper

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Now that it's received regulatory approval, Apple will be able to sell the iPhone 6 in China Jason Cipriani/CNET

Apple has received regulatory approval that will allow the company sell its latest smartphone in China.

The company received a license for the iPhone6 to be used on China's wireless networks, according to a statement on the website of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Apple this evening confirmed the news in a statement.

The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus went on sale last week in the US, UK, Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, France, and Germany -- but not in China. That delay has reportedly spurred black market sales of iPhone 6 sales in China. Several people cited by Bloomberg said they were buying up stock of the iPhone 6 in countries where it's available and then reselling them in China at far higher prices.

Apple sold a record number of iPhone 5S units in China last fall. About 16 percent of Apple's $37.4 billion in sales last quarter came out of China, the world's largest smartphone market.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available for pre-order October 10 online and for sale in stores beginning Friday, October 17.

"We are thrilled to bring iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to our customers in China on all three carriers at launch," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook. "With support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers will have access to high-speed mobile networks from China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom for an incredible experience."