The iPhone 5 is allegedly one step closer to launching in China. Chinese blog Sina Tech reports that two models of the iPhone 5, model A1429 and A1442, have received government approval to run on the nation's wireless networks. The A1429 model is reportedly compatible with China Unicom's 3G network and the A1442 model is a CDMA version for China Telecom. China Mobile, the world's largest mobile carrier with almost 700 million subscribers, has supposedly been in talks with Apple about carrying the iPhone, but has not reached an agreement with the Cupertino company.

These two models have cleared two of three regulatory steps required by the Chinese government. The pair were granted 3C (Chinese Compulsory Certificate) certification in September and, lastly, must receive a network access license before going on sale in China.