Apple iPhone Air to launch in China after eSIM approval
3 min read
Apple announced today that its iPhone Air will be available for pre-order in China this Friday, October 17, marking the end of a month-long regulatory delay that prevented the ultra-thin smartphone from launching alongside other iPhone 17 models in the country.
CEO Tim Cook, currently visiting Shanghai, shared the news on Chinese social media platform Weibo, stating: "Excited to announce iPhone Air will be available next week and pre-orders start this Friday, October 17!" The device will officially launch on Wednesday, October 22, with a starting price of 7,999 yuan ($1,121.56) for the 256GB model.
Regulatory Breakthrough Enables eSIM Launch
The iPhone Air's delayed China launch stemmed from regulatory hurdles surrounding its eSIM-only design, which eliminates the traditional physical SIM card slot to achieve its record 5.6mm thickness. Unlike most other markets where eSIM technology is widely supported, China has historically relied on physical SIM cards, with carriers not traditionally offering eSIM support for iPhones.[1][2]
The breakthrough came as China's three major state-owned telecommunications operators—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—received regulatory approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to provide commercial eSIM services. China Unicom has already opened pre-registration for its eSIM service, attracting over 39,000 users and positioning itself as the pioneer in China's consumer eSIM market.[2][3][4]
Strategic Market Entry
Cook's announcement coincided with his visit to Shanghai, where he attended Pop Mart's LABUBU 10th anniversary exhibition, meeting with toy creator Kasing Lung and Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning. This visit reflects Cook's continued engagement with Chinese creative talent and business partners during his trips to Apple's second-largest market.[1][2]
The iPhone Air represents Apple's boldest design departure in years, featuring an eSIM-only architecture that the company says offers greater flexibility, better security, and seamless connectivity compared to traditional physical SIM cards. The device will be the only iPhone model in China to receive carrier support for eSIM technology, positioning it as a premium offering in the market.[3][4][5]
Reference sources:
[1](https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1345528.shtml)[2](https://www.yicaiglobal.com/flashdetail/100725321666245)[3](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/introducing-iphone-air-a-powerful-new-iphone-with-a-breakthrough-design/)[4](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/iphone-air-begin-pre-order-china-after-telecom-operators-approved-esim-services-2025-10-13/)[5](https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/apple-intelligence/articles/iphone-air-begin-pre-order-142407097.html)[1](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/13/iphone-air-to-launch-in-china-this-week/)[2](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/iphone-air-begin-pre-order-china-after-telecom-operators-approved-esim-services-2025-10-13/)[3](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinese-telecom-operators-provide-esim-support-iphone-air-2025-09-12/)[4](https://technode.com/2025/10/11/china-unicom-opens-esim-pre-registration-as-rivals-prepare-to-follow/)
