Apple Delays iPhone Air Launch in China Over eSIM Approval Issues

[MacRumors]

Apple has postponed the release of its new iPhone Air in China while it works with mainland authorities to resolve regulatory issues related to the device's eSIM requirement, according to the South China Morning Post.

Apple on Friday morning reportedly updated its Chinese website, replacing the original September 12 pre-order and September 19 launch schedule for the iPhone Air with the words "release information to be updated later." Meanwhile, pre-orders for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max will open at 8:00 p.m. local time as originally scheduled.

At 5.6mm thick, the iPhone Air does not have a physical SIM slot, and is limited to eSIM-only operation. That's a problem in China, since carriers have not traditionally supported eSIM for the iPhone even though it's widely used around the world.

The delay appears to have upturned Apple's earlier plans. Previously, the company had worked exclusively with China Unicom to provide eSIM support for the device, requiring customers to visit retail stores for identity verification and activation. Now Apple has said that all three state-owned telecommunications network operators – China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom – will "provide eSIM support [with] specific timing subject to regulatory approval."

Meanwhile, China Mobile posted on Weibo that it had "enabled eSIM services for mobile phones," but said details regarding the launch date "would be announced separately." The expanded carrier support suggests Apple is working to broaden the device's potential market reach once regulatory hurdles clear.

Over in the U.S., pre-orders for the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air are set to open later on Friday at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Article Link: Apple Delays iPhone Air Launch in China Over eSIM Approval Issues

 

[fatTribble]

Did anyone else read the telecom company as China Unicorn? 🤭

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Just going to build anticipation in China. I think it’s going be a big seller in China. Crazy sleek futuristic design will be the reason.

 

[svish]

Disappointing for customers from the region. Hopefully Apple will be working with the local carrier and launching it as soon as possible. Maybe within a month or two.

 

[maerz001]

Why don’t they just sell it like the 16? Air without esim use and the 16 without AI

 

[baconcat_8964]

Why don’t they just sell it like the 16? Air without esim use and the 16 without AI

iPhone Air without eSIM is an iPod touch.

 

[JaydenA]

Did anyone else read the telecom company as China Unicorn? 🤭

Unicom/Unicorn? A perfect example of Keming.

 

[karhong]

CCP just want to dampen the excitment. They can't bear to see soaring Apple's sales ; its hurting to the local brands.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Disappointing for customers from the region. Hopefully Apple will be working with the local carrier and launching it as soon as possible. Maybe within a month or two.

Aren’t all Chinese carriers state owned enterprises? If so, that’s effectively “working with the government”.

 

[Tulani]

They have to manufacture a separate model for China perhaps with less battery space but with dual physical sim slots to make meaningful sales in China for this model

They know it but just trying to force issues

 

[azwindmill]

It is speculated that the other two network operators did not want Unicom to be the sole supporter of eSIM phones ahead of them otherwise they will lose customers. They reportedly approached the regulatory authorities to request a postpone of the iPhone Air release until they were ready to support eSIM. Apple Stores in China have already indicated that all three carriers will offer eSIM support for iPhone Air.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I think there is a small chance that the iPhone Air will never be available in China due to the requirement for a dual physical SIM. It may not arrive until the next iPhone Air model arrives in September 2026, when the Chinese telcos finally offer full eSIM support.

 

[azwindmill]

I think there is a small chance that the iPhone Air will never be available in China due to the requirement for a dual physical SIM. It may not arrive until the next iPhone Air model arrives in September 2026, when the Chinese telcos finally offer full eSIM support.

Yeah, but very unlikely since all three providers have already indicated support for eSIM. China Mobile announced it on Weibo, and China Telecom has responded to news outlets that their eSIM support is ready. China Unicom even started the eSIM campaign right after the iPhone Air release.

 

[AlanBeyond]

Why don’t they just sell it like the 16? Air without esim use and the 16 without AI

lol you must not be serious, a phone without SIM is just an iPod touch buddy, and AI, who use apple's lame a*s AI anyway