Apple shares rise on China Mobile iPhone rumors

Shares in Apple (AAPL.NASDAQ) rose after a Chinese website showed photos of what appeared to be a China Mobile (CHL.NYSE, 0941.HK) version of the iPhone, CNBC reported. Apple currently contracts with China Unicom (CHU.NYSE, 0762.HK) to push iPhones and iPads into the mainland market, but China Mobile has a much larger wireless subscriber base. Ticonderoga Securities has publicly speculated that the deal could push Apple’s share value above US$600 per share. Apple shares were up 1.55% and call buying surged on Thursday following the news. Apple declined to comment.