Apple Postpones iPhone Air Release in China Over eSIM Approval Issues

Apple has delayed preorders for the iPhone Air in mainland China, citing unresolved regulatory issues tied to eSIM support. The device was originally scheduled to go live for preorder today, alongside its US launch, with full availability promised for September 19.

On Apple’s Chinese store page, the listing for the iPhone Air now says that “release information will be updated later.” In contrast, the company’s other three new devices, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, are available to preorder as planned and will begin shipping next week.

The main obstacle is Apple’s decision to make the iPhone Air eSIM-only worldwide. Unlike many markets, eSIM has never been widely adopted in mainland China.

Local handsets still rely on physical SIM slots, and Apple’s earlier iPhone models sold in China have never included eSIM functionality. Even the iPhone 17 lineup continues with physical SIM support in the country.

Apple’s support documentation had recently suggested that only China Unicom would provide eSIM services for the iPhone. However, the page was later revised to confirm that, pending regulatory approval, all three major state-owned operators, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, would support eSIM.

According to the source Post, Apple has reassured Chinese media that it is “working closely with regulatory authorities to bring [the iPhone Air] to China as soon as possible.”

The delay underlines Apple’s challenge in pushing eSIM adoption in one of its largest markets. Until regulators finalize approvals and carriers expand compatibility, Chinese customers will have to wait for the thinnest iPhone yet.