Apple is finally set to launch the iPhone Air in China, marking the debut of its first eSIM-only model in one of the company’s biggest markets — a rollout that faced delays due to local telecom limitations.
According to reports, major Chinese operators — China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom — have now received approval to support eSIM services on a trial basis, clearing the way for the iPhone Air’s release. Pre-orders for the device will begin later this week, and interested buyers can register for an eSIM with their operator to transition from physical SIM cards.
Apple CEO Tim Cook personally announced the development on Weibo, expressing excitement over the long-awaited launch. The approval marks a key step forward for Apple, as China (and to some extent, India) has been slow to adopt eSIM-only smartphones despite limited operator support in select regions.
The iPhone Air, which has been available globally, faced a China-specific delay because it relies solely on eSIM for connectivity. Apple has been offering eSIM-only models in the US since the iPhone 14 series, while other regions retained physical SIM slots due to market compatibility.
Design constraints reportedly prevented Apple from including a SIM tray in the Air model, with the compact build also limiting the battery capacity — though Apple continues to claim all-day battery life.
The iPhone Air is priced at ₹1,19,900 in India and will retail in China for CNY 7,999 (approximately ₹96,500). The launch will serve as an important test of consumer interest in eSIM-only devices in China, where Apple’s iPhone sales have seen a slowdown in recent quarters.
iPhone Air Launching in China: A Long-Awaited Move for Apple’s eSIM-Only Future
