Apple Delays iPhone Air China Launch Over eSIM Approval Issues

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Photo:Reuters

Apple, the world’s leading smartphone maker, is likely to delay the launch of its new iPhone Air in China, the thinnest iPhone ever created. The delay comes as the company works with Chinese authorities to resolve regulatory issues regarding the use of an embedded SIM, or eSIM, which replaces the traditional physical SIM card.

Originally, Apple had announced that pre-orders for the iPhone Air would start at 8 PM local time on Friday, with deliveries expected from September 19. However, the company recently updated its website for mainland China, replacing the original schedule with a note that the “release information will be updated later.” This change indicates that the iPhone Air may not be available in China on the originally planned date.

The iPhone Air is only 5.6 millimeters thick, making it Apple’s slimmest phone yet. Because of its thin design, it requires an eSIM to function. The other new iPhone models launched this week, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, do not face this issue and are still scheduled to be released from September 19, with pre-orders starting Friday evening.

Apple has said it is “working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible.” All three state-owned telecom companies in China – China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom – will provide support for the eSIM once regulatory approval is obtained. Previously, only China Unicom had been selected to offer this service.

China Mobile had earlier announced on its social media platform that it had enabled eSIM services for mobile phones, but the company did not provide a specific start date for the service. Similarly, China Telecom had posted that it would launch eSIM services on September 19, the original shipping date for the iPhone Air, but that post was later removed. According to reports, the commercial rollout of China Telecom’s eSIM function is awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which is expected “very soon.”

Adding to the challenge, some Apple-authorized store staff in major Chinese cities, including Foshan in southern Guangdong province, have not yet received training to support eSIM functions. In contrast, store staff in European countries had completed the necessary training by last Friday. This situation could affect customer experience, as people may visit stores expecting eSIM support that is not yet fully operational.

Another complication is that iPhone Air models purchased outside mainland China will not be able to install an eSIM profile from Chinese carriers. This limitation could discourage customers from buying the phone abroad to access features like Apple Intelligence or other software exclusive to the region.

The delay highlights a growing trend: governments worldwide are reviewing new technology carefully before allowing mass adoption. While Apple has faced similar challenges in other countries in the past, China’s strict regulatory environment makes approval processes for eSIMs particularly important.

Despite these hurdles, the iPhone Air is expected to generate significant interest among consumers who prefer thinner, lighter devices. Market research firm IDC reported that there is a strong global appetite for ultra-thin smartphones. For example, Samsung’s S25 Edge, which is 5.8 millimeters thick, sold over a million units in its first month after launch, making it one of the top-selling smartphones in the high-price segment ranging from $1,000 to $1,600. Experts predict that the iPhone Air could contribute 5 to 7 percent of Apple’s global shipments of its premium models.

This delay is not expected to affect Apple’s overall iPhone launch schedule, as the other models – iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max – will continue to launch on time. However, the situation emphasizes how new technology, even from a global company like Apple, must align with local regulations before it can reach customers.

Chinese iPhone fans may have to wait a little longer for Apple’s thinnest smartphone. The company is working closely with the authorities to finalize eSIM approval, while all three major telecom providers in China prepare to support the feature. Once approved, the iPhone Air is expected to attract consumers seeking a sleek, high-tech device, continuing Apple’s tradition of innovation and premium design.