Apple on Sunday announced a deal with China Mobile, the world's biggest wireless carrier, to sell iPhone in China.

In a joint statement, Apple and China Mobile said the iPhone 5s and 5c models will go on sale in Apple and China Mobile stores beginning on Friday, Jan. 17. China Mobile customers can pre-register for phones starting Wednesday Dec. 25.

“Apple’s iPhone is very much loved by millions of customers around the world,” said Xi Guohua, Chairman of China Mobile. “We know there are many China Mobile customers and potential new customers who are anxiously awaiting the incredible combination of iPhone on China Mobile’s leading network.”

Apple chief executive Tim Cook said that "China is an extremely important market for Apple and our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network."

He said "iPhone customers in China are an enthusiastic and rapidly growing group, and we can't think of a better way to welcome in the Chinese New Year than getting an iPhone into the hands of every China Mobile customer who wants one."

Negotiations between Apple and China Mobile took years, with one key hurdle reportedly being the US firm's demand for sales volume guarantees.