Apple Inc's next generation baby is all set to woo the Chinese market. As the release date for the iPhone 5 approaches, Chinese online retailers have already jumped onto the Apple bandwagon offering the fabled iPhone 5 to consumers. Even though the release of the expected smartphone remains unconfirmed by Apple, pre-orders are for the iPhone wonder are pouring in!

According to Reuters, the Chinese e-commerce site Taobao is hosting listings from prospective sellers. The pre-launch sale insanity surrounding apple gets crazier with some sellers even publishing mock-ups of what the suspected smartphone will look like. If that wasn't enough, product listing with supposed feature details is available for viewing too!

The Apple-crazy Chinese gray market is not stopping here. If you're a prospective Apple gaga buyer in China, all you have to do is dish out a deposit and have the first units of the iPhone 5 smuggled out into the country for $1100. The smartphone will likely be purchased in USA or Hong Kong and then smuggled when the product ships in late September.

Reuters reported that, earlier this week, one seller has already received over 24 orders and nabbed two purchases in one day!

China's Apple connection (the tech giant's products are currently manufactured in China) perhaps fuels the rage for Apple devices. The frenzy continues with bizarre stories of Chinese teenagers selling body parts to raise money for purchasing Apple products exemplifying how Apple-mad China is. It is no surprise then that the rumored iPhone 5 with its 4-inch display and improved quad processor is already sending consumers into a tizzy! The country's biggest mobile phone carrier, China Mobile, is also expected to introduce the iPhone 5 on its network later this year.

According to analysts at Well Fargo, the iPhone 5, is pitched to be "the biggest product launch in consumer electronics history".

Currently, Apple has five stores in mainland China and plans to open flagship stores in the major Chinese cities of Chengdu and Shenzhen. Apple had also recently settled an iPad trademark lawsuit with a Shenzhen technology firm, and said on Tuesday it would release its latest iPad in China on July 20.

With tech pundits opining that the current iPhone sales have slowed down owing to the expected iPhone 5 launch and Foxconn leader Terry Gou stating that the iPhone 5 will "put Samsung's Galaxy S3 to shame" when it ships; the environment seems ripe for the smartphone titan.

When the iPhone 5 eventually surfaces from behind the veil and the mystery surrounding its launch, Apple fanatics will have much to cheer about. However, if you're Apple gaga too and cannot wait for an official launch; take the China route and pre-order away!