Apple China Launch Online Store; Chinese Language App Store

Chinese Apple addicts have already got a couple of eye-catching physical stores to buy their Jobs-blessed goods in; now the company has thrown open the virtual doors on an online store. Found at Apple.com.cn, the new store Apple's full range of devices as far as we can tell, with the iPod shuffle kicking off at RMB 398 ($60), the iPhone 4 from RMB 3999 ($598) and the new MacBook Air from RMB 7998 ($1,196).

There are also other services, like free engraving of iPods, iPads and other devices, and the same third-party accessory sales as on other regional Apple Stores.  Meanwhile Apple has also launched a Simplified Chinese language version of the App Store.

Press Release:

Apple Launches Online Store in China

CUPERTINO, California—October 26, 2010—Apple® today introduced the Apple Store® in China (apple.com.cn), the easiest way to shop online for Apple products including the revolutionary iPhone® 4 and the magical iPad™. Apple's online store in China features free shipping, free personalized engraving on any iPod® or iPad, and the ability to custom configure any Mac® with just a few clicks. The online Apple Store also offers a wide selection of third-party products and is the only place online to buy the iPod nano® (PRODUCT) RED.

"We are thrilled to open our newest online store in China," said Tim Cook, Apple's COO. "With personalized engraving, configure-to-order options and free shipping on everything, the Apple Store is a great destination for our customers in China."

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, signature gift wrap is available with the purchase of most Apple products including iPod, iPad and iPhone. The online Apple Store also lets eligible students and faculty members take advantage of special education pricing on Apple products.

Also starting today, customers in China can access Apple's legendary App Store℠ in Simplified Chinese, with localized featured apps and charts of the most popular paid and free apps in China. The App Store offers iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users access to the world's largest catalog of apps with over 300,000 apps in 20 categories including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.