Chinese iPhone approved with WAPI WiFi

You might not be aware of this but the official Chinese iPhone offered by China Unicom since October 2009 doesn't include WiFi -- part of the reason for a continued Chinese grey market for iPhones sourced from neighboring countries. Now we're seeing a China-approved 3G / GSM / Bluetooth device from Apple capable of using China's homegrown WAPI (WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure) protocol. The new device -- presumably a 4th generation iPhone -- will join Dell's Mini 3i as one of a few foreign handsets to feature the Chinese national standard for WLAN. See the 26 April approved regulatory filing after the break.

Update: The reference to "A1303" in the chinese language filing means this is likely a WAPI version of the iPhone 3GS, not a 4th gen device.

[2her0ck Posted May 4th 2010 3:55AM]

at last!

[cashclientel Posted May 4th 2010 4:48AM]

@2her0ck WAPI isn't good, and this isn't a good development.

[etwashoo2 Posted May 4th 2010 8:39AM]

@cashclientel

Not good. Apple playing the Communist's game. Voting for Android with my wallet.

[brilliantcorner Posted May 4th 2010 4:00AM]

What makes you think this is a 4th generation iPhone?

[Slick Posted May 4th 2010 4:06AM]

*Also gains approved for Fallout 3*

So the Pipboy now gets Wifi, but do I have to max out my hacking to actually get it on the network?

http://planetmedia.gamespy.com/wiki/planetfallout.gamespy.com/default/uploads/3/36/Fallout33234221.jpg

[angermeans Posted May 5th 2010 1:48AM]

@Slick good eyes my friend good eyes.

[thisisit Posted May 4th 2010 4:13AM]

The model number A1303 clearly referenced to the existing iPhone 3GS, not some Apple's magical next-gen device found at the bar.

Engadget, please try harder.

[fast Posted May 4th 2010 4:14AM]

She gave me a killer wapi. Just sayin.

[drange Posted May 4th 2010 4:28AM]

Offered by China Unicorn? FINALLY!!! Do they also add fairy dust??

[notfred Posted May 4th 2010 9:02AM]

@drange No, backdoors.

[doug Posted May 4th 2010 10:58AM]

@notfred

so youre saying that the iphone is going in the chinese backdoors?

[louisprudent Posted May 4th 2010 4:51AM]

The technical characteristics of the Chinese iPhone: 3,5 inches sensor display with resolution 480x320 pixels and reflecting 16 million color shades, 2 mega pixel camera, FM radio, mircoSD memory card slot, Bluetooth module 2.0 with A2DP support.

Mobile Phone

[ibransond Posted May 4th 2010 9:34AM]

@louisprudent What are you trying to say...

[fast Posted May 4th 2010 11:01AM]

@ibransond he's just sayin...

[mex Posted May 4th 2010 5:21AM]

Chinese iPhone offered by China Unicom no WIFI

Chinese iPhone offered by China Unicorn WIFI ENABLED

[r3loaded Posted May 4th 2010 5:26AM]

WAPI? Sounds like their own "specially-developed" version of WPA but with a backdoor in case those pesky citizens are thinking free thoughts.

[cashclientel Posted May 4th 2010 6:08AM]

@r3loaded You'd be correct
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WLAN_Authentication_and_Privacy_Infrastructure

[Stevenk Posted May 4th 2010 6:04AM]

Glad i live in the USA!

[Jia Posted May 4th 2010 8:44AM]

有 wifi 嘛？如果没有，很遗憾还是不买，依然支持水货。

[hikeskool Posted May 4th 2010 8:51AM]

I'd get one, but I used all my caps making bottle cap mines : - /

Still got my trusty Chinese Assault Rifle though!

[ibransond Posted May 4th 2010 9:33AM]

So if apple is building a specific iPhone for china... They might build a specifc iPhone for verizon? :D .
One can only wish... Haha

[Zeak Posted May 4th 2010 9:55AM]

Kudos for Fallout guy!