Apple is one step from launching the iPhone 7 on Samsung’s home turf: The date is now set, and it’s October 21. Considering the buzz around the exploding Note 7, the stage is set for a successful launch in South Korea.
According to the local newspaper, ETNews, Apple and carriers met for discussions on the 29th, and three wireless carriers have decided to release the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus on October 21, subject to final approval from Apple headquarters.
The telcos agreed to sell the iPhone 7 through Apple Korea’s homepage and mobile network providers’ stores starting from the agreed date. Apparently, there were talks about an earlier launch, set for October 14, but ultimately the carriers decided to go with the later date.
Apple is stepping into a highly competitive market currently dominated by local manufacturers such as Samsung and LG. With the launch of the iPhone 6 in 2014, Apple managed to double its market share in South Korea, making history there. Recently, news surfaced that the company plans to open the first of its flagship stores, with rumours saying it could be right in Samsung’s “backyard”.
