Apple Delays iPhone Air Launch in China Over eSIM Approval

Apple has delayed the launch of its new iPhone Air in mainland China, citing the need for regulatory approval for the device's eSIM technology. While pre-orders for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are proceeding as planned, Apple's China website has been updated to state that the release information for the iPhone Air will be updated later and that "all models will be released after approval." The company had originally planned to open pre-orders on September 12 with availability on September 19, matching the U.S. and other major markets.

The delay centers on the iPhone Air's design, which is eSIM-only worldwide. At just 5.6mm thick, the device does not include a SIM tray, presenting a unique challenge in China where carriers have not widely adopted eSIM for smartphones. As we've previously reported, the move to an eSIM-only device was expected to run into issues with Chinese regulators.

Initially, Apple appeared to have an exclusive deal with China Unicom for eSIM support, requiring in-store activation. However, the company's website now indicates that China Mobile and China Telecom will also support the feature, with timing subject to regulatory approval. Apple told Chinese media it was "working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible."


China Mobile recently posted on Weibo that it had enabled eSIM services for mobile phones but said details regarding the launch date would be announced separately. A post from China Telecom's Beijing branch on the social media platform RedNote announcing a September 19 eSIM launch was subsequently removed. According to Chinese media outlet The Paper, China Telecom is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Apple's China site notes that each customer will be limited to purchasing two iPhone Air units, priced from RMB 7,999 or RMB 333 per month. The iPhone Air is part of a three-year iPhone overhaul that begins this year. The company's other new iPhones — the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — will launch as planned in the region and will continue to include physical SIM card trays.

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