What Will Apple Announce In China On September 11? (AAPL)

Apple AAPL is scheduled to hold a press event in Beijing on September 11 -- just hours after its September 10 event in the United States. It is not yet known what Apple will announce at either event. The domestic presentation -- scheduled to take place in Cupertino, California -- is expected to include the introduction of both the iPhone 5S (the high-end successor to the iPhone 5) and iPhone 5C (Apple's first low-cost handset). According to Reuters, Apple could be planning to use the Beijing event to announce its long-awaited deal with China Mobile CHL. But a China Mobile deal may not be the only thing Apple plans to announce. The company has been losing popularity in China. While a new carrier deal could boost sales, it may not be enough to prevent Samsung SSNLF from taking over. Instead of using its Chinese event to focus on the China Mobile deal, Apple may also use it to unveil a new product -- or a variation of one that is already available. For example, the color options for the iPhone 5C in China may differ than those available in North America. So even if a low-cost iPhone is unveiled during the American event, Apple may still have something different to show off in Beijing. There is also the chance that Apple will save the iPhone 5C introduction for the Beijing event. This might seem like a risky move for those who are expecting a worldwide debut, but Apple is largely believed to be building the 5C for emerging markets. Apple could focus entirely on the 5S at the domestic event -- and heavily promote any innovations that it may bring to the table -- all the while saving its low-cost alternative for a more appropriate market. This does not mean that the 5C will not be released globally. Apple will likely ship the product worldwide within a two- or three-month period. But it should not surprise investors if the iPhone 5C debuts in China before shipping elsewhere. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ