Softbank and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Japan on July 11

TOKYO and SAN FRANCISCO—June 9, 2008—Softbank (SBM) and Apple® today announced that the highly anticipated iPhone™ 3G will be available in Japan on July 11. iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK.

“I am delighted at this opportunity to partner with Apple,” said Masayoshi Son, SBM chairman and CEO. “SBM’s and Apple’s shared vision of promoting the innovative integration of the Internet and mobile phone through the distribution of iPhone is exciting. iPhone has been enthusiastically received around the world, and we think it will be popular in Japan as well.”

“Japan is one of the world’s most advanced mobile markets and we are thrilled to partner with SoftBank to launch iPhone 3G there next month, “ said Tim Cook, Apple’s COO. “iPhone 3G is an amazing product and we think customers in Japan will love it as much as we do.”

*Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.

The Softbank Group has upheld its corporate policy, “Endeavoring to benefit society and the economy and maximize enterprise value by fostering the sharing of wisdom and knowledge gained through the IT revolution” since the foundation in 1981. Subsequently it was successful in the publishing business and the distribution of packaged software for PCs. In 2001, the Group entered into the broadband business, “Yahoo! BB”, very early and brought dramatic innovation to the Internet environment in Japan, encouraged by overwhelming support from customers. The Group entered into the fixed-line telecommunications business in 2004 and into the mobile communications business as SBM in 2006. Through innovative pricing and attractive product strategies it achieved the No. 1 position in net additions for FY 2007 in the Japanese market (number of subscribers 18,952,800 as of end of May 2008).

As a corporate group based on Internet-related businesses, the Group will not limit itself to its existing role of telecommunications carrier. Rather, by providing both information infrastructure and content as a comprehensive digital information company, the Group aims to make people’s lifestyles and business styles more affluent and enjoyable, and to be the global No. 1 corporate group in the broadband era.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Press Contacts:
Takashi Takebayashi
Apple
takashi.takebayashi {at} asia.apple(.)com
+81 3 5334 2431

Corporate Public Relations
Softbank
pr {at} softbank.co(.)jp
+81 3 6889 2301