Apple still rules in Japan as carriers battle to sell iPhones

BIG IN JAPAN: Apple Inc's disappointing third quarter was nowhere in evidence in Japan, where sales increased more than 40% as the highly anticipated launch of the new iPhone by Japan's biggest mobile firm boosted sales — at rival carriers. — Reuters

TOKYO: Apple Inc's disappointing third quarter was nowhere in evidence in Japan, where sales increased more than 40% as the highly anticipated launch of the new iPhone by Japan's biggest mobile firm boosted sales — at rival carriers. 

Japan accounted for nearly 10% of Apple's global revenue in July-September, its gadget-loving consumers enticed by discounts and cash-backs from carriers under threat as industry leader NTT DoCoMo Inc finally began selling the iPhone after years of foot-dragging.