We already told you that the App Store Reaches 25 Billion Downloads, and now we know who won the $10,000 gift card. Today Apple announced Chunli Fu of Qingdao, China was the winner. To take home the prize, Fu downloaded Disneys water-based physics-puzzler “Where is My Water? Free.” Apples Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddie Cue said the following: » The 25th Billion App Downloaded by Chunli Fu of Qingdao China

Bootlegged Apple products have been spreading like wildfire throughout China. But that does not mean every iPhone is a fake. Increasingly, iPhones are being smuggled in to Mainland China. And the smugglers are getting pretty creative. » iPhone Smuggling in China

iSmashPhone reported that Apple is facing a potential 240 million yuan ($38 million) fine from governmental authorities over alleged trademark infringement involving the “iPad” name.

According to Shenzhen-based Proview Technology, it is over an intellectual property rights violation. Proview Technology claims the rights to the name iPad, as does Apple. The case was filed in 2011, and is now pending hearing by the Pudong district court in Shanghai later this month.

» Apple May Face Fine Of $38 Million For Selling iPads In China

The China Telecom subsidiary Beijing Telecom released a press release (via China Daily) and said the nations third-largest mobile operator, revealed it may launch the code division multiple access (CDMA) version of Apple Incs iPhone 4S in the Chinese mainland as early as February. Prices has not been released yet, so we can not give any information about iPhone 4S contracts. » Beijing Telecom May Start Selling iPhone 4S In A Month

Why is the media focusing on Apple and not questioning any of the other electronics companies that manufacture with Foxconn in China? “Obviously, Apple has the money, the brand, the prestige, and it grabs attention. However, it is not like Apple can make gold from straw. Apple simply cannot build its products anywhere other than China.“

But @NicePaul takes recent Forbes numbers and created the following infographic that illustrates the opposite point. Check the infographic after the break. » CBS Probes Apples Relationship With Foxconn

The NY Times just published an article on Apple and why it builds almost all of its stuff in China. Years ago, the Chinese government subsidized building cities of factories that can hire 3,000 workers to live in a dorm in a day —or 8,700 Industrial Engineers in two weeks (it would take 9 months in the U.S.).  Todays gadgets require thousands of little parts that are all made in the same areas.  This whole global supply chain cannot be moved to the U.S. An interesting read about the last minute decision to make the iPhones display glass and more can be found after the break: » Why Apple Builds The iPhone In China

Apple released a Press release confirming the availability of iPhone 4S in China and 21 other markets starting Friday, Jan. 13. Apple CEO Tim Cook said this about the announcement in a statement earlier today: “Customer response to our products in China has been off the charts. With the launch in China next week, iPhone 4S will be available in over 90 countries making this our fastest iPhone rollout ever.” » iPhone 4S Arrives In China & 21 Other Markets on January 13