China is finally getting Apple's latest toys. Apple said today it would begin selling both the iPhone 5, the fourth-generation iPad and the iPad mini in the country in December.
The two iPads officially go on sale Dec. 7, although only Wi-Fi versions will be available. There is no information on when or if the 4G LTE versions of the iPads will come to China. The iPhone 5 arrives on Dec. 14.
Tellingly, Apple's press release announcing the news only highlights the iPhone 5 and iPad mini in the title -- the fourth-generation iPad is mentioned only in the text. Apple is clearly downplaying its new flagship iPad, most likely to avoid potentially stealing the spotlight from the product it really wants to push this holiday: the iPad mini.
China has been a focal point for Apple's business in the last few years. The potential market is obviously large, and Apple has opened flagship stores in major urban centers such as Shanghai and Beijing. Although the threat from knock-off gadgets (and knock-off stores) is much greater in China than other countries, it hasn't hurt the appeal of Apple's products in the country, and sales there have grown immensely.
Apple first introduced the iPhone 5 in September, and it's now available in 47 countries. The iPad mini arrived in October alongside the blink-and-you-missed-it iPad Fourth Generation. All three products -- as well as Apple's new iPods -- use the company's new Lightning connector, a much smaller data and power port that allowed Apple to achieve the ultra-slim designs in both the iPad mini and iPhone 5.
Do you think Apple's new products will be a hit in China? Let us know in the comments.
BONUS: iPad Mini Review
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