CHINA Unicom have reportedly reached an agreement with Apple Inc to introduce the iPad tablet computer into the domestic market.

The iPhone 4 is also said to be available through China Unicom's outlets in early September, but will not be launched simultaneously with the iPad, Caixin Media and Wall Street Journal have said, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The iPhone 4 will cost the same as the iPhone 3GS which was launched by China Unicom last year, according to the reports.

China Unicom's officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.

There were no immediate details on the date of the iPad launch, its selling prices and types of service package that China Unicom will charge.

Domestic telecommunication service providers are keen to launch the iPad in China, the country with the largest mobile phone market and Internet user base. China Unicom seems to be the first telco to reach an official agreement with Apple.

Apple has so far sold more than 3 million units of iPad in nine countries and regions.