For Apple, the iPhone’s clean desktop is simply an extension of its overall minimalist design. While keeping control of what apps appear on the smartphone makes fans of users, forbidding so-called carrier ‘junkware’ could be a deal-breaker for...Apple’s Ban On Carrier ‘Junkware’ Could Cost Largest Japan iPhone Partner
For Apple, the iPhone’s clean desktop is simply an extension of its overall minimalist design. While keeping control of what apps appear on the smartphone makes fans of users, forbidding so-called carrier ‘junkware’ could be a deal-breaker for...Daily Update for September 22, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes, which is perfect for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world.
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KDDI to end Softbank’s iPhone exclusivity in Japan in 2012
A rumor from Japan's Nikkei newspaper suggests wireless carrier KDDI will begin selling the iPhone 5 early next year. This deal would end the exclusive iPhone agreement Japanese carrier Softbank has enjoyed the past few years. And enjoy it, Softba...
How Apple played it smart with iPhone exclusivity
Apple may be on the verge of opening its Japanese iPhone sales to another cellular service provider, ending SoftBank's exclusive hold on the popular smartphone. It's the latest in a series of exclusivity-ending deals from Apple, and it's the culmination of an elaborate marketing plan.
KDDI snags Apple’s iPhone in Japan breaking Softbank’s monopoly
. According to a Nikkei Business report (English), another iPhone carrier exclusive country has fallen. Softbank (in blue, above) in Japan has had a monopoly on the iPhone for the past three years in the world’s third largest economy. However, with the release of next iPhone, KDDI/au will carry the device. Both carriers still trail...
iPhones, iPads drive Softbank’s huge Q1 profits
Being a carrier partner of Apple can help drive your bottom line. As reported on The Apple Blog, Japanese cellular carrier Softbank's fiscal first quarter results showed an almost 500 percent increase in net income over the same quarter in 2010. T...
iPhones and iPads drive Softbank’s explosive Q1 profits
In case anyone doubts the power of Apple's devices to lift the fortunes of its cellular network operator partners, Softbank's newly reported fiscal first-quarter results should prove convincing. The Japanese carrier saw a nearly five-fold jump in profits compared to the same period last year.
The iPhone 4 sales ranking in Japan
Even in cell phone crazed Japan, the iPhone 4 is the top-selling handset according to a report from market research firm GfK Japan. Data from the first quarter of 2011 shows the 16 GB and 32 GB models in first and second place, respectively. Round...
Softbank profits surge thanks to the iPhone and iPad
Japan's number three wireless carrier, Softbank, reported record profits thanks to the success of the iPhone and the iPad. Net profit for the quarter ending in March climbed to Y47.41 billion, up from Y1.85 billion in the same quarter last year. S...
iPhone and iPad Drive Softbank’s Profit Growth
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Japanese mobile carrier Softbank (the third largest carrier in the country by number of subscribers) has announced record operating profit for the January – March quarter with net profit surging to Y47.41 billion from the Y1.85 billion posted last year. Thanks to high demand for iPhones and iPads, the carrier...
Softbank to replace iPhones lost in Japan’s earthquake, tsunami
In the midst of an overwhelming catastrophe, Japan's wireless carrier Softbank is stepping up to the plate to help many of those affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son recently traveled to Tamura, a city that is ...
iPhone 4 getting stickers in Japan for mobile payment solutions
NFC technology comes to the iPhone 4 thanks to the Japanese carrier SoftBank, which is offering Sony's FeliCa payment system for the iPhone 4. The system includes an NFC-enabled "seal" that affixes to the back of the iPhone 4 and is compatible wi...
