Russian newspaper RBC Daily has revealed that Apple’s iPhone 5 could launch in Russia in November, going on sale “almost immediately” after the smartphone goes on sale in the U.S.
The news outlet cited sources close to handset retailers, noting that Russian mobile operators were actively working with Apple to speed up deliveries of Apple smartphone devices, to reduce the number of authorised handset sales caused by longer release cycles.
Apple’s products have typically between three and six months to come to Russia after the original release in U.S and Europe, meaning that carriers are unable to offer their own deals on handsets and simply provide service to consumers that have acquired an iPhone via an unauthorised source.
Apple has reportedly ordered 10 million iPhone 5 units from Taiwan-based manufacturer Pegatron. The Cupertino-based company could be positioning itself to deliver stock to an increased number of partners across the U.S and Europe to reduce high-priced third-party resales.