The iPhone 4S is proving to be the first Apple device to enjoy a major launch in Asia. With expectation that the device will launch in China before the end of the year – a key target by Apple for expansion – along with Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong the latest Asian country to announce plans for the iPhone 4S is Taiwan.

Reports from Taipei suggest the iPhone 4S will go on sale in Taiwan by mid-December. Mobile Phone providers and wireless carriers are said to have been notified by Apple that they should prepare for the release of the iPhone 4S. Apple usually notifies carriers and providers around a month before the device launches in each country.

The boss of Taiwan Mobile Co. one of the largest carriers in the country would not confirm that they had received notification from Apple over the imminent arrival of the device, although he did say that iPhone 4S contracts would undoubtedly impact on sales of other devices.

In its staggered launch across Asia, the iPhone 4S has been met with hysteria and widespread excitement. Thousands queued outside stores when the device was on sale. In Hong Kong stocks of the device were pre-ordered and were exhausted in 15 minutes. 3,000 people queued outside the Apple store. In Korea, the first 100 customers were treated with drinks and prizes by carrier Korea Telecom. Its competitor SK Telecom matched that with a midnight launch and exclusive performances by hip hop artists at its headquarters as the device went on sale. The potential for a legal blocking over the sale of the Apple device in South Korea ended when Samsung, who are tied in a legal battle over the patent of technology, withdrew their request to block its sale. The device goes on sale in India before the end of November.

The staggered global launch of the iPhone 4S has helped the California giant maintain momentum and enthusiasm for the device across the world. With an initial launch in the US, UK and Canada, the availability of the device has then spread east, garnering headlines and frenzied sales as it moves. While expanding into Asia, the device also launched in 12 more markets in Latin America and Europe in mid-November, a month after its US and UK launch. It is the enthusiasm and growth in the Asian market that will be a real cause for delight at Apple.

Asia was a main target for former Chief executive Steve Jobs, it was often reported. With a population of over 1 billion in both India and China, and a boom on the telecoms markets in both countries, Apple eyed both countries as ones with real potential for global growth. Korean electronics giant Samsung, who has made significant ground in the smartphone market with its Galaxy series, particularly the Galaxy SII, the Apple expansion into Asia has not been welcome.

Patent battles, the use of technology in both smartphones and tablets has seen proposed Apple launches in Asia dogged by legal hurdles. Yet while Samsung might not be pleased about the expansion of Apple, it would seem consumers are. With reports that some iPhone 4S buyers had been waiting for up to 12 months for the new device the excitement surrounding the launch suggests that Apple is already more than halfway there to make a real splash in Asia.

Simon writes for Best Mobile Contracts, where you can compare deals for the iPhone 4S on contract and also find free gifts for Christmas.