Apple iPhone 5 Gets 3C Approval in China; Still Waiting on Network Permit

Today, Sina Tech discovered that Apple’s new iPhone 5 has passed China’s 3C authentication process. Both the China Unicom (WCDMA) and China Telecom (CDMA) versions have been approved. 3C is the nickname for a government-mandated certification system, and getting verified is one of the hurdles the iPhone 5 will have to jump over before its release in China.

However, Chinese Apple fans should not start partying just yet. The iPhone 5 still hasn’t passed MIIT’s network permit process. A network permit is required for all telecommunications devices; therefore, the iPhone 5 isn’t going to be seeing any store shelves (legally) until MIIT gives it the OK. That’s generally a fairly lengthy process, so don’t expect an iPhone 5 release just yet.

Of course, gray-market phones are available in China, but thanks to Apple’s worldwide shortage following the phone’s sales records on day one of its release, they aren’t cheap. In fact, most of them will cost eager Apple fans more than $1,000. But if you’ve got to have an iPhone 5 in the next few months, that is probably the only way you’re getting one.

[via Sina Tech]