What China’s Shift to 4G Means for Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK), Apple Inc. (AAPL)

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Apple already runs several retail stores in China, alongside its aforementioned agreements with non-China Mobile carriers. According to Cook, Apple should continue to see growth in the region, with China becoming Apple’s “…largest market in the near future.” To make that happen, China Mobile will need to be part of the equation, which makes Cook’s trips overseas so important. Unfortunately, Apple and China Mobile have had these conversations before, but the Chinese unique 3G network has been a roadblock.

Should Apple wait, now that China Mobile is building out its 4G infrastructure, and saturate the market with 4G-ready iPhone 5s? Let’s hope not, for the sake of Apple shareholders.

Waiting for China’s 4G wireless infrastructure poses two problems for Apple: Nokia, and Google’s Android. Timing is crucial as China shifts to cutting-edge technologies, and Android’s current OS dominance, along with Nokia’s inroads with China Mobile, put them ahead of Apple. Bottom line: The exploding Chinese market isn’t going to wait for Apple. Nor will Nokia, Google, Samsung, and all the others.

The article What China’s Shift to 4G Means for Nokia, Apple originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Tim Brugger.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, China Mobile, and Google.

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