Apple Inc's rumoured deal with China Mobile may only be one of the good news that the company has coming into the holiday season. The latest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 5S, still enjoys high demand from consumers wanting to purchase the device. Apple Inc may have finally caught up with the demand just in time for the holidays.

Gene Munster, a Piper Jaffray analyst, has conducted surveys twice a week to determine the availability of the iPhone 5S. He surveyed 60 Apple stores in the U.S. and found that most iPhone 5S models are available for purchase. Based on his report, 90 per cent of iPhone 5S models are in stock compared to 31 per cent a few weeks ago.

However, Mr Munster noted that Apple stores had 93 per cent of iPhone 5 in stock almost a year ago in 2012.

In the Apple store Web site, the iPhone 5S is now listed with a shipping date of between three to five business days. Earlier in November, the iPhone 5S was shipping as long as 2 to 3 weeks for most models. Mr Munster believes that Apple Inc will continue to catch up with demand by December in anticipation of holiday demand. The timing is almost the same as what happened with the iPhone 5's supply in December.

Mr Munster's survey also revealed the iPhone 5S models to be 99 per cent in stock at AT&T, while 98 per cent are available in Verizon. According to Mr Munster, both carriers make up 75 per cent of the mobile market in the United States.

Apple Inc stock price close at $533

Meanwhile, Apple Inc's stock price closed at $533.40 as of 6:24 pm ET. Apple's stock is slightly higher compared to its price at the start of January 2013 for the first time since dropping $100 from its price and remained in the low $400.

According to reports, Apple Inc took advantage of its low price per share with the buyback programme that used a bond to buy back 47 million shares. In June, Apple bought 36 million shares at $444 per share. At the current price, it will cost $3.2 billion if bought again.

Apple supplier accused of mistreating workers

Another one of Apple inc's suppliers is under fire for allegedly mistreating workers. Biel Crystal Manufactory in Hong Kong has been accused for violating workers' rights. The company is Apple's supplier of iPhone screens.

According to Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM), Biel Crystal Manufactory abuses workers' rights in many ways. The report said that factory workers are made to work 11-hour shifts with only one day in a month as their day off.

A Quality Check department worker said the company is working on big orders from Samsung and Apple Inc. He explained that almost every month is a "peak season" with workers expected to perform their tasks round the clock. He said they had no breaks until workers will change shifts by the end of each month.

Human rights group SACOM questioned the safety procedures being observed in Biel Crystal. The report also said workers are not getting compensation despite suffering injury in the workplace. Workers are reportedly being fined for failing to meet production targets or breaking glass.

In response to the SACOM report, Apple Inc issued a statement via Reuters and said the company has always insisted that their suppliers provide safe working conditions. This includes treating factory workers with respect and dignity. The company has assured it will inspect more factories as it will go deeper into the supply chain.

In 2012, Apple Inc has inspected 393 factories and facilities around the world.

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