iPhone Air China launch may be delayed due to eSIM regulatory approval
Apple’s iPhone Air — the company’s first eSIM-only iPhone with a slim 5.6 mm body — may see a delayed rollout in mainland China because regulators have yet to approve its eSIM-only configuration.
Key points
- Apple China removed the original preorder/launch timing and now shows “release information will be updated later.”
- Other new iPhone models (iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max) remain on schedule.
- Because the iPhone Air lacks a physical SIM slot, customers in China must complete in-person identity verification at retail stores to activate the built-in eSIM.
- Apple’s support documentation and carrier posts indicate eSIM support for the iPhone Air is still “pending regulatory approval.” China Unicom, China Telecom and China Mobile are expected to support the device once approval is granted.
- China Telecom reportedly pulled a social post about launching eSIM services this month; a company representative told media regulatory sign-off from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is expected “very soon.”
Why this matters
China has historically required physical SIM support and in-person identity linkage for mobile numbers. An eSIM-only device raises policy and procedural issues for carriers and regulators, which can delay consumer availability even if Apple moves forward elsewhere.
Sources & further reading
- MacRumors — Apple delays iPhone Air launch in China over eSIM
- AppleInsider — iPhone Air delayed in China over eSIM regulations
- South China Morning Post — Apple postpones iPhone Air release in China
Check availability
Product listings may appear after official launch announcements. Check current Amazon search results (affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=iphone+air&tag=f1rede-20
Note: This post excludes the original Engadget RSS link; sources used include MacRumors, AppleInsider and SCMP for independent reporting.