Apple and Softbank reach agreement to distribute the next-generation iPhone in the Japan market.
Softbank Mobile is a 3G only carrier which only confirms the existence of a new 3G iPhone. Apple is widely expected to introduce a 3G capable iPhone at WWDC next week.
By: Ryan Culver
Jun 4, 2008 17:25 PM GMT
Apple Inc has chosen 3G mobile phone network Softbank Corp to sell a next-generation iPhone to Japanese consumers.
Japan, with 103 million mobile users, has always been a choice market for technology, adopting everything from iPods to iMacs and cell phones to GPS units.
Although Softbank provided no further details of the agreement, the partnership is just the latest between Apple and Asian mobile carriers. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company has already inked deals to distribute the iPhone in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and the Philippines.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs is widely expected to announce a new generation iPhone next week, with analysts betting it will have high-speed 3G data capability -- a much more competitive product in Japan where mobiles are used as much for Web browsing and email as they are for talking.
Apple's iPod music player is widely used in Japan but some analysts doubt the iPhone will be as popular, given the advanced state of the mobile market.
The device allows Internet access and plays music, but most mobile phones in Japan have those functions such as TV viewing and video downloads. The iPhone would be difficult to sell especially if the price is high, experts say.
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