The iPhone will expand its global footprint into China now that a deal has been struck between Apple and state-owned network operator Unicom.

Apple and Unicom said they have signed a multi-year deal - it's thought to run for three years - that will see the iPhone go on sale in China during Q4.

It isn’t yet known how much the device will cost Chinese buyers, or what airtime packages they will have to sign up for to get hold of a genuine iPhone.

The handset is already available in the country, but not from legitimate sources.

Chang Xiaobin, Unicom’s Chairman, said: “We believe China Unicom's high-speed mobile broadband network, coupled with [the iPhone] will create new communication and different experiences for customers in China.” ®

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