3G iPad 2 receives regulatory approval in China

Apple has received regulatory approval for the WCDMA-compatible Wi-Fi + 3G model of the iPad 2 in China, according to a Wall Street Journal report. China’s Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center has issued the network license required for official sales to an Apple device with 3G wireless data capabilities, listed as model number A1396—the same model number as the standard GSM iPad 2. The report notes that the model is already available through the company’s partners in Hong Kong, where it will soon open its first retail store in the upscale IFC mall, but that sales in mainland China have been limited to the Wi-Fi-only models. When released the 3G iPad 2 will be compatible with and will likely be sold by Apple’s current iPhone parter China Unicom.