Apple recently announced a new model at its fall conference, which is only 5.6mm thick and is expected to go on sale worldwide on September 9.iPhone AirAt present, there are obviously variables in the Chinese market. The reason is that the iPhone Air is only designed in eSIM form and must wait for China's three major telecom operators to obtain approval from government agencies before it can be sold. Therefore, the actual sales time in the Chinese market will be delayed.
Currently, the iPhone Air introduction on Apple’s official website in China has added the phrase “all models will be released after approval”, but the specific time for sales in the Chinese market has not yet been confirmed.
Apple explained that in China, companies seeking to sell new eSIM-only phones must obtain special approval in advance, and that China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom have yet to complete the approval process. Apple emphasized that it is actively working with regulatory authorities and telecom operators to bring the iPhone Air to the Chinese market as quickly as possible.
The iPhone Air marks Apple's first major design overhaul since the iPhone X. The iPhone Air removes the physical SIM card slot and instead incorporates an eSIM card across all models. This frees up more internal space for the battery, resulting in improved battery life. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized in an interview that the complete elimination of the physical SIM card slot allowed for the extended battery life, maintaining "excellent" battery life within the ultra-thin design.
While the delay in the Chinese market may impact the iPhone Air's initial global sales, analysts generally believe that Apple's move demonstrates its commitment to promoting eSIM adoption and its collaboration with global telecom operators to accelerate eSIM deployment. If approved in the Chinese market, this will likely further boost the adoption of eSIM solutions in the Chinese market and potentially influence the design strategies of subsequent Android devices from Chinese brands.
China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom have all confirmed support for the iPhone Air's eSIM function, though the specific launch schedule is subject to approval. While a short wait may seem inevitable for Chinese users eager to upgrade, it also signals a crucial technological transition period for the Chinese market as it transitions to the next-generation iPhone.
