The 12 million units is thought to be a “base case” scenario, but on a more optimistic note, analyst Katy Huberty thinks that the deal with China Mobile would allow Apple to sell an additional 23 million iPhones next year, just in the Chinese market alone. On a more pessimistic note, Huberty notes that Apple could sell 5 million units. As it stands China Mobile does play host to a number of unlocked iPhones, although a deal with the carrier would undoubtedly entice more customers to come on board with the carrier, while allowing Apple to tap into China Mobile’s massive subscriber base. No word on when the deal could be finalized as last we heard, it was still in negotiation.