DigiTimes reports that Apple will roll out a low-cost version of the iPhone for China and other emerging markets in the second half of 2013, according to supply-chain sources. “Some sources claimed that they have seen the sample of the low-cost iPhone, which will come with a larger display, meeting the prevailing trend for the adoption of 5-inch displays for high-end models. They added that the low-priced iPhone will also have a brand new exterior design.” » Apple To Roll Out Low-Cost iPhone For Emerging Markets in 2013?

Apple has just announced that they have sold over two million of the new iPhone 5 in China, just three days after its launch on December 14. “Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible, setting a new record with the best first weekend sales ever in China,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “China is a very important market for us and customers there cannot wait to get their hands on Apple products.” » iPhone 5 First Weekend Sales In China Top Two Million

Earlier this month Apple announced that they will release the iPhone 5 in 50 new countries this month. Apple today launched the iPhone 5 in 33 countries including China. The Wall Street Journal reports that “Apple’s flagship store in Beijing’s upscale Sanlitun shopping district began selling the iPhone 5 for the first time on Friday in what was arguably the least eventful launch of an Apple device in the company’s four-year history in the Chinese capital.” Only two consumers stood inside a cordon set up by Apple and a snow man someone had made on a bench near the entrance. » iPhone 5 Launches In 33 New Countries Including China

Apple has just announced that the Wi-Fi versions of iPad mini and fourth generation iPad will be available in China on Friday, December 7, and the iPhone 5 will be available on Friday, December 14. “iPad mini and the new fourth generation iPad with Retina display are currently available in 42 countries, and iPhone 5 is available in 47 countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.” Chinese product launches have typically lagged well behind those in other countries, but the company has been working to shorten those gaps, since China now accounts for 15% of Apple’s revenues. » Apple Will Launch iPhone 5, iPad Mini, & Fourth-Generation iPad In China This Month

The Wall Street Journal reports that China plans to begin offering the iPhone 5 in late November or early December, which would mark the entry of Apple’s latest smartphone into China. According to the WSJ, China was responsible for $5.7 billion in revenue for Apple last quarter, 16% of the company’s total. » China Prepares for iPhone 5 in Late November or Early December

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has started “mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad”.

Apple Inc.’s Asian component suppliers have started mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad, people with knowledge of the situation said, as the Silicon Valley company tries to stay competitive against rivals such as Google Inc. GOOG -0.63% and Amazon.com Inc. AMZN -0.56% that are offering smaller, less-expensive alternatives to the iPad.

They got this information from two sources who also said the smaller tablet will have a 7.85-inch liquid-crystal display with a lower resolution compared with the latest iPad model that came out in March. » Apple Has Begun Mass Production Of The iPad Mini

With the iPhone 5 now officially available in 31 major territories around the world, people start to wonder in which countries you can buy the iPhone 5 the cheapest. In the picture above (click it for full view) you can see the pricing across 25 different localized Apple Online Stores, including applicable VAT and other taxes (created by Setteb.it). It shows that after 21 percent tax, Italy become home to the most expensive iPhone 5, the 64GB iPhone 5 cost €949 ($1,226), compared to an estimate of €715 ($924) in the US after tax and €720 in Hong Kong. Even with the higher price in Italy, Federico Viticci noted on Twitter that the line at one Apple Store in the country numbered more than three hundred on Friday morning. » iPhone 5 Pricing Abroad, Italy Is Most Expensive, Hong Kong The Cheapest