Apple has postponed the launch of its new iPhone Air in China due to regulatory delays concerning the approval of its embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, according to multiple reports from September 12, 2025. Apple's Chinese website now states that "release information [will] be updated later," replacing the original pre-order date of September 12 and launch date of September 19 for the iPhone Air. In contrast, pre-orders for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max continue as scheduled[1][2][3].
The iPhone Air is Apple's first model without a physical SIM...
The iPhone Air is Apple's first model without a physical SIM card slot, relying entirely on eSIM. At just 5.6mm thick, the device uses the space saved by removing the physical SIM slot to accommodate a larger battery. However, this eSIM-only design poses challenges in China, where physical SIM cards remain the norm and carriers have not widely supported eSIM for iPhones. Previously, Apple had coordinated exclusively with China Unicom to provide eSIM support, requiring customers to visit retail stores for identity verification and activation. Now, Apple has announced that all three major state-owned Chinese carriers—China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom—will support the iPhone Air's eSIM, but the timing depends on regulatory approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology[1][2][5].
China Mobile briefly announced on its social media platform...
China Mobile briefly announced on its social media platform Weibo that it had enabled eSIM services but withheld the launch date, and China Telecom posted then removed a notice about launching its eSIM service on September 19, the same day as the iPhone 17 series release. These mixed signals indicate ongoing regulatory uncertainty around eSIM adoption in China[3][5].
Apple representatives have told Chinese media that the compa...
Apple representatives have told Chinese media that the company is "working closely with regulatory authorities to bring [the iPhone Air] to China as soon as possible," with regulatory approval expected "very soon," although it remains unclear whether this statement preceded the delay announcement[2].
The delay in China contrasts with the global rollout, where...
The delay in China contrasts with the global rollout, where the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series pre-orders are opening on time, including in the U.S. where pre-orders began on September 12 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time[1][3].
In summary, the iPhone Air's China launch postponement refle...
In summary, the iPhone Air's China launch postponement reflects the complexities of introducing eSIM-only devices in markets where regulatory frameworks and carrier support are still evolving. Apple is actively engaging with Chinese regulators and carriers to resolve these issues but has not provided a new timeline for the iPhone Air's release in the country. Meanwhile, the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup proceeds on schedule globally[1][2][3][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 1:30:49 PM
Apple's delay of the iPhone Air launch in China due to eSIM regulatory approval issues is drawing global attention, highlighting the challenge of integrating eSIM technology under China's strict telecommunications controls. The company is now coordinating with all three state-owned carriers—China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom—to enable eSIM support, but final timing depends on regulatory approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which has not yet been granted[1][3][5]. Internationally, Apple proceeded with iPhone 17 series launches and iPhone Air pre-orders on schedule in markets like the U.S., reflecting a bifurcated rollout strategy[1].
China Mobile stated on Weibo that eSIM services are "enabled," but the launch
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 1:40:44 PM
Apple has postponed the iPhone Air launch in China due to delays in obtaining regulatory approval for its eSIM technology, which replaces the physical SIM slot in this model[1][2]. Consumers expressed frustration on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo as pre-orders scheduled for September 12 were abruptly pulled, with the official site now stating "release information to be updated later"[1]. A China Mobile post initially announcing eSIM availability was also retracted, reflecting uncertainty that has left eager buyers awaiting clarity from Apple and regulators[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 1:50:44 PM
Apple's postponement of the iPhone Air launch in China due to eSIM regulatory delays is shifting the competitive landscape, potentially benefiting domestic smartphone makers who do not yet use eSIM technology. With only one of China’s three major carriers currently supporting eSIM, and regulatory approval still pending, Apple's delay may slow its market penetration in China—one of its most lucrative markets—while local brands maintain their dominance amid continued reliance on physical SIM cards[1][4]. Analyst Fei Bo noted that regulators may be cautious because swift eSIM adoption could disrupt state telecom operators' revenues, indirectly giving domestic competitors a strategic advantage during this period[4].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 2:00:47 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Apple's postponement of the iPhone Air launch in China has been mixed, with noticeable frustration among eager buyers. On Weibo, some users expressed disappointment over the delay, as the original September 12 pre-order date was quietly removed from Apple's Chinese website, replaced by "release information to be updated later"—reflecting uncertainty caused by regulatory hurdles with eSIM approval[1][2]. Meanwhile, carriers like China Mobile acknowledged enabling eSIM services but withheld concrete launch dates, fueling concerns about when consumers can finally access the device[1][5]. Apple reassured the public it is "working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible," but no specific timeline was provided, leaving many waiting an
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 2:10:44 PM
Apple has postponed the iPhone Air launch in China due to delays in obtaining regulatory approval for its eSIM-only technology. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is the key authority involved, reflecting strict Chinese government controls on eSIMs tied to security and surveillance concerns. Apple stated it is "working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible," while China Mobile confirmed eSIM services are enabled but withheld a specific launch date pending regulatory clearance[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 2:20:45 PM
Apple has postponed the iPhone Air launch in China due to regulatory delays in approving its eSIM-only technology, which is essential for the model’s ultra-thin 5.6mm design that lacks a physical SIM slot[1][3][5]. Unlike other iPhone 17 models released with physical SIM card support, the Air's reliance on embedded SIM requires carriers to adapt and obtain government approval, with all three major Chinese networks—China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom—now expected to support eSIM pending regulatory clearance[1][5]. This delay highlights the technical and regulatory challenges of eSIM adoption in China, where physical SIMs remain dominant due to stringent identity verification and state surveillance requirements[5].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 2:30:45 PM
Apple has postponed the iPhone Air launch in China due to regulatory delays in approving eSIM technology, disrupting its initial September 12 pre-order and September 19 launch timeline[1][2]. This delay shifts the competitive landscape by giving domestic Chinese smartphone makers, none of which currently use eSIM, a potential advantage as Chinese carriers remain cautious—only one of the three state-owned operators presently supports eSIM, with full support awaiting regulatory approval[4]. iFanr analyst Fei Bo highlighted that regulators may slow eSIM adoption to protect telecom carriers' revenue models, as eSIM allows users easier switching between plans, potentially threatening state-owned carriers' control[4].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 2:40:50 PM
Apple has postponed the launch of the iPhone Air in China due to delays in regulatory approval for its eSIM technology, with pre-orders originally set to start September 12 now on hold until clearance is obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology[1][2][3]. The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest model at 5.6mm and eliminates the physical SIM slot, relying exclusively on eSIM, which requires carriers to support remote SIM provisioning—an infrastructure challenge in China where physical SIMs remain dominant[3][4]. Initially, only China Unicom was prepared to support eSIM activation in stores, but Apple now aims for all three state-owned carriers—China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom—to enable
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 2:50:45 PM
Apple's postponement of the iPhone Air launch in China due to eSIM regulatory delays has rattled the market, with Apple stock (AAPL) underperforming 8% year-to-date compared to the NASDAQ's over 14% gain[1]. The delay, announced on September 12 alongside blocking pre-orders on Apple's China website, has intensified competitive pressures from Huawei and Xiaomi, who are advancing aggressively in the Chinese smartphone market[1]. Analysts from Bank of America, Rosenblatt, and Goldman Sachs note that while Apple's iPhone 17 series has been well-received for upgrades, the company faces growth limitations partly due to these regional setbacks and incremental innovation, which has contributed to cautious investor sentiment[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:00:53 PM
Apple has postponed the iPhone Air launch in China due to delays in regulatory approval for its eSIM-only design, which eliminates the physical SIM tray to allow for a slimmer 5.6mm thickness and a larger battery. The delay stems from the need for clearance by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, with all three state-owned carriers—China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom—now required to support eSIM activation, pending regulatory approval. Apple stated it is "working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible," but pre-orders originally scheduled for September 12 are now on hold with release details "to be updated later"[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:10:56 PM
Apple's postponement of the iPhone Air launch in China is attributed to regulatory delays over eSIM approval, with experts noting that the embedded SIM technology challenges China's traditional telecom oversight, which relies on physical SIM cards for identity verification. Industry analysts highlight that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's stringent control reflects security concerns about eSIM's remote activation capabilities, complicating Apple's rollout despite cooperation from all three state carriers—China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom—who are awaiting regulatory clearance to enable service[1][3]. Apple insiders emphasize that while pre-orders for other iPhone 17 models proceed on schedule, the eSIM-only iPhone Air’s debut depends on imminent but unresolved regulatory approval, underscoring a significant hurdle for Apple's
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:20:59 PM
Apple has postponed the launch of its eSIM-only iPhone Air in China, originally scheduled for preorders on September 12 and release on September 19, due to delayed regulatory approval of eSIM technology from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology[1][2][4]. This delay impacts Apple's strategy in China, where physical SIM cards are still prevalent, and gives domestic rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi an edge as they intensify competition; Apple is reportedly working closely with state carriers China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom to resolve the issue and bring the device to market as soon as possible[1][2][4]. Internationally, Apple's stock has declined over 8% year-to-date amid concerns about growth limits and innovation gap
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:30:57 PM
Apple has postponed the launch of its eSIM-only iPhone Air in China due to delays in regulatory approval for eSIM technology by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. While preorders and releases for the iPhone 17 series will proceed globally as planned on September 19, the China launch date remains uncertain as Apple negotiates with all three state-owned carriers—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—for eSIM support, which is currently pending official clearance[1][2][4]. This delay highlights the broader challenge of eSIM adoption in China, where physical SIM cards remain dominant despite the technology's widespread use elsewhere, impacting Apple's global rollout strategy and market penetration in the world's largest smartphone market[3][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:41:14 PM
Apple's postponement of the iPhone Air launch in China due to delays in eSIM regulatory approval has sparked consumer frustration, especially given the device's eSIM-only design with no physical SIM slot[1][4]. Many Chinese customers, accustomed to physical SIM cards, are uneasy about the new activation process requiring in-person retail verification; some expressed disappointment on social media about the unclear release timing and the sudden removal of pre-order announcements[1][2]. Despite Apple assuring cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to secure approval "very soon," public uncertainty remains high, with the delay breaking expectations for a synchronized global launch[2][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:51:13 PM
Apple has postponed the launch of its eSIM-only iPhone Air in China due to pending regulatory approval of eSIM technology, originally set for pre-orders on September 12 and release on September 19. This delay has disrupted Apple's competitive positioning, as other iPhone 17 models with physical SIM slots will launch on schedule, potentially giving Chinese rivals an edge in the ultra-thin smartphone segment. Apple is now working with all three major state-owned carriers—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—to secure eSIM support, signaling a strategic move to broaden market access once regulatory hurdles are cleared[1][2][4].