The iPhone Air was supposed to be Apple's big hit in fall 2025. Ultra-light, just 5.6 millimeters thin, and for the first time without a traditional SIM card slot. Instead, the model relies exclusively on eSIM. This very technical decision is now causing delays in China. The planned sales launch there has been postponed at short notice because the necessary approval for eSIM use is still pending.
Apple originally announced that pre-orders for the iPhone Air would start on September 12, with sales beginning on September 19. These dates have since disappeared from Apple's Chinese website . Instead, the information simply states that launch details will be announced at a later date. The other models in the new series—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—remain unaffected and can be ordered as planned.
Only eSIM instead of SIM card
With the iPhone Air, Apple is taking a step further toward fully digital mobile phone use. The device completely dispenses with a SIM card slot and relies exclusively on eSIM. This has long been a widespread standard internationally, but it's a sensitive issue in China. eSIM support on the iPhone has been virtually nonexistent there so far. Until now, only China Unicom has been involved in a limited capacity, requiring a visit to a store for activation. This lacked the flexibility that eSIM is supposed to offer. This is a crucial factor for the iPhone Air, which only works in this way.
Cooperation with all major network operators
To overcome this hurdle, Apple is no longer working solely with China Unicom. China Mobile and China Telecom are also involved. All three major network operators have declared their intention to offer eSIM services for smartphones. China Mobile even announced on the Weibo platform that the services are already technically enabled, but that specific launch dates will be announced separately. Apple points out that the introduction of eSIM support at all three providers is "subject to regulatory approval." Until this regulatory approval is obtained, the iPhone Air cannot officially launch.
Impact on Apple
The delay hits Apple hard in one of the world's most important smartphone markets. The original plan was to release the iPhone Air at the same time as the other new models and make a statement with its radical design. Now the company has to wait until the political and regulatory framework is clear. For Apple, this means a strategic adjustment. Instead of a rapid market launch, the focus for now is on negotiations with authorities and partners. The prospect that all three major network operators will support eSIM suggests that Apple can establish a broader base in the Chinese market in the medium term.
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iPhone Air: Vision of the future meets Chinese reality
The iPhone Air is a statement for the future: thinner, lighter, and connected exclusively digitally. But in China, this vision faces practical hurdles. Without clear eSIM approval, the market launch there remains postponed for the time being. Apple is now relying on collaboration with China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom to meet regulatory requirements and make the iPhone Air available in China as well. Ultimately, the delay demonstrates that even a global technology company like Apple remains dependent on local regulations and structures. The iPhone Air will arrive in China—just later than planned. (Image: Apple)
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