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Apple's next iPhone headed to China Mobile -- report

Apple and the massive Chinese carrier are said to have reached a deal that will bring the next iPhone to China Mobile's 740 million-plus subscribers.

Josh Lowensohn Former Senior Writer
Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and now covers Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about everything from new Web start-ups, to remote-controlled robots that watch your house. Prior to joining CNET, Josh covered breaking video game news, as well as reviewing game software. His current console favorite is the Xbox 360.
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Josh Lowensohn
This purported image of an iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C side by side is just one in a growing abundance of leaks.
This purported image of an iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C side by side is just one in a growing abundance of leaks. Sonny Dickson

Apple's next iPhone is headed to China Mobile and its more than 740 million subscribers, according to a new report.

Citing sources, The Wall Street Journal says (subscription required) Apple plans to ship the upcoming, and highly rumored low-cost iPhone model to the carrier, which does not currently offer Apple's mobile phone.

The report comes on the heelsof others in recent weeks claiming that Apple and the carrier have been involved in business discussions.

A deal with China Mobile could bring in an extra 20 million iPhone unit sales within a year, and boost Apple's revenue in the region, which was down 14 percent from the previous year last quarter. That's according to a report from Barclays published Thursday. Other estimates have edged closer to 40 million for all of 2014, which is close to what the tech giant shipped worldwide in its second quarter earlier this year.

Apple is holding a press event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters Tuesday, where the company is expected to unveil two new iPhone models. CNET will be there to bring you all the news. Go here for more details on how to watch.

CNET's live coverage of Apple's September 10 event