iPhone Air launch postponed in China due to eSIM issues

iPhone 

iPhone Air launch postponed in China due to eSIM issues

Apple has postponed iPhone Air pre-orders in China, which were scheduled to open today, likely due to regulatory issues related to eSIM.

The Chinese store page for the ultra-thin iPhone states that "release information will be updated later." Apple initially announced that the Air would be available for pre-order in China at the same time as it was in the US, with full availability starting September 19. The other three new iPhones — the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max —  are available for pre-order now and will start shipping next week.

The problem likely lies with Apple's decision to make the Air only support eSIM globally. eSIM wasn't widely available in mainland China, and phones made for the local market still don't support it. None of Apple's previous iPhones support eSIM in China, and neither do any of the three iPhone 17 models.

This page has now been updated, stating that “pending regulatory approval,” all three major state-owned telecom companies in the country will offer eSIM.

Apple told Chinese media it is "working closely with regulatory authorities to bring the iPhone Air to China as soon as possible," the South China Morning Post reported.