Apple launched iPad's WiFi version in January and iPhone4 on June 7.

China Unicom is currently in formal talks with Apple Inc. to introduce iPhone 4 and the iPad to the Chinese market, said Li Gang, the Chinese telecom carrier's vice president, to China Business News on Wednesday.

The Beijing News quoted Li as saying that China Unicom is now evaluating iPhone 4, which includes WiFi and video functions. "We (China Unicom) want to bring iPhone 4 into China as soon as possible," Li said, adding that this can be done before the end of the year, though no timetable was set.

Apple launched iPad's WiFi version in January and iPhone4 on June 7. The iPad entered the markets of U.K., Australia, France, Japan, Canada, Switzerland and Spain on May 28 and will hit seven other markets including Hong Kong in July. Apple has disclosed its timetable to sell the iPad in the Chinese mainland market.

China Unicom introduced the iPhone in China last October. However, initial sales weren't satisfactory because of the relatively high prices set by the carrier and the lack of a WiFi function. In May, the carrier axed iPhone product prices and monthly service fees for iPhone 3G, hoping to get a surge in sales.

China Unicom hopes to negotiate the introduction of iPhone 4 and iPad together, Li said.

China's business press carried the story above on Thursday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

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