iPhone in China Market: China Smartphone Market Continues to Grow, Apple In Position to Benefit

iPhone in China Market: In the past, we have discussed the importance of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) continuing to establish itself in the China market. Along with this, CEO Tim Cook has been spending quite a bit of time in the country. Earlier this month, for example, he visited with a reseller while also meeting with officials from China Mobile.

In 2012, the number of mobile 3G subscribers in China increased by roughly 83 percent. With an increase like this, it is easy to see why Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is so excited about becoming an even bigger player in this market.

Apple Inc. (AAPL), iPhone 5Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Press Info

Here is a brief rundown of the statistics from a recent AppleInsider piece:

“At the end of 2012, China had 233 million 3G subscribers, analyst Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets noted on Tuesday. The number of subscribers was up from 127.5 million at the end of 2011.”

As you can see, this is quite an increase year-over-year. Even though most realized that the smartphone market in China was growing by leaps and bounds, many probably didn’t understand that things were progressing quite this fast.

For an even better understanding of how quickly the market is growing, here is more statistical information from the same article:

“China gained 11.8 million 3G subscribers in the month of December in 2012 alone. 3G subscribers now represent 21 percent of China’s wireless subscribers, up from a 13.1 percent share a year prior.”

Even though these numbers appear to be large (and they are), White goes on to explain that China is still behind many other areas in terms of 3G use. This is not a bad thing, however. Here is a further explanation:

“Still, White noted that 3G penetration in China remains low compared to the developed world. As such, he sees “significant growth opportunities” for mobile companies, including Apple.”

“He projects that China will have between 325 and 350 million 3G subscribers by the end of this year.”

In other words, White does not believe that things are going to slow down in China anytime in the near future. The country is a big time focal point for Tim Cook as he hopes to expand the company’s reach into the largest marketplace in the world.

If the China Mobile deal finally comes to fruition in 2013, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will be in even better position.

What are your thoughts on these stats? Is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) going to make even bigger waves in China in 2013?

Check back here for more updates on iPhone in China Market.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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