The license - uploaded to a subsidiary of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's website - shows that Apple now has access to China Mobile's wireless mobile standard for its new iPhone 5C and 5S. The permit was issued on August 30 and expires on February 28, 2014. The license gives Apple the use of its 4G TD-LTE network, its 3G TD-SCDMA network and also its GSM network.



The news comes after a launch event in Beijing, which like a similar launch event in the U.S., left investors largely underwhelmed. Apple was expected to announce a partnership with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile carrier by subscribers with 750 million subscribers. The tie-up was not announced but this latest news adds weight to possibility of a partnership further down the road, thus opening up a massive new market in China for Apple. The short time frame of the license could also fuel rumors that Apple will be releasing its phones on the network on a trial or temporary basis.



Apple's shares fell by over 5 percent in morning trading on Wednesday.