Apple Delays iPhone Air Launch in China Amid eSIM Regulatory Challenges
Apple has indefinitely postponed the launch of its eSIM-only iPhone Air in China, citing unresolved regulatory hurdles and limited infrastructure support. The device, originally slated for pre-orders on September 12 with shipping to follow on September 19, now faces an uncertain timeline. The rest of the iPhone 17 lineup remains unaffected.
China's reliance on physical SIM cards and lack of clear eSIM policies have stalled the rollout. While major carriers—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—are expected to adopt the technology, none have finalized implementation plans. Apple initially partnered with China Unicom but has since expanded negotiations to include all three telecom providers.