Calif.-based Apple remains to be seen

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery. But whether the iPhone's popularity inChina mobile phone  will translate into big profits for Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple remains to be seen.
Official models sold without a carrier service contract, which is typical here, will be priced at about $735 -- far beyond the reach of average consumers. Add ferocious competition, Apple's late start in China as well as its inability to control its own brand in the early going, and some analysts say the company's success is far from certain.

"iphone clone is entering China at a level of competition that's never been seen before," said David Wolf, president of Wolf Group Asia, a Beijing tech and media advisory firm. "If they think they can come here and ride the wave they've enjoyed the last 2 1/2 years [Mini Cell Phones], then they're going to get a rude awakening."