Regulatory Roadblock
Apple is postponing the release of its iPhone Air in China due to regulatory approval issues tied to the device’s eSIM technology.
China’s three major telecom operators have not yet obtained government clearance to sell phones using eSIMs. Apple China’s website now shows a message: “Release information will be updated later.”
Global Launch Continues
The California-based tech giant announced it would start selling the ultra-thin iPhone Air, along with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, on Sept. 19.
Global pre-orders began Friday, though the iPhone Air remains unavailable for online pre-order in China.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM
The iPhone Air uses eSIM only, a digital version of a traditional SIM card, while the iPhone 17 models still feature removable physical SIM cards.
Apple CEO Tim Cook explained the design advantage: “It’s eSIM only, and so we were able to take the battery and extend it to areas that previously had the physical cell.” The iPhone Air measures just 0.22 inches thick, making it the company’s slimmest model yet.
China-Specific Challenges
Unlike the U.S., China mostly depends on physical SIM cards and has not widely adopted eSIM technology. Apple initially said the iPhone Air would be available through China Unicom, requiring users to visit a physical store to activate the eSIM.
Other carriers, including China Mobile Ltd. and China Telecom Corp., are expected to support the iPhone Air and eSIM eventually.
Other iPhone Models Unaffected
Apple’s other new models — iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — launched in China as planned and continue to use physical SIM cards. The base model of the iPhone Air is expected to retail for $799.
