Apple’s super-slim iPhone Air will not launch in China on September 19. The company also did not start accepting preorders for the device today in the country.
The issue stems from the iPhone Air only supporting eSIM — it lacks a physical SIM slot. So, the company needs additional regulatory approval for the phone’s launch in China.
iPhone Air launch delayed back in China
Apple made no mention of the iPhone Air’s delayed China launch at its Awe Dropping event on Tuesday. In fact, its online store initially showed preorders opening the same day in China as other markets (September 12), with retail availability set for September 19. However, just hours before iPhone Air preorders were set to go live, Apple updated the launch schedule, saying “release information to be updated later.”
The iPhone Air likely needs additional regulatory approval before going on sale in China. An Apple spokesperson told Chinese media that the company is “working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible,” reports the South China Morning Post.
Apple initially claimed it worked closely with China Unicom to support eSIM functionality on the iPhone Air.
Given the strict Chinese regulations, consumers would be required to visit their nearest retail stores to verify their identity and activate the line. But now, Apple has announced that all three state-owned carriers in China — China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom — will provide eSIM support, with availability dependent on regulatory approval.
Global iPhone Air units won’t work in China
Additionally, iPhone Air units purchased outside China won’t be able to install eSIM profiles from Chinese carriers. This will deter customers from buying international units and using Apple Intelligence in the country. Regulatory roadblocks amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and China delayed the rollout of Apple’s AI suite in the country.
The Chinese launch timeframe of other iPhones, including the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, remains unchanged. Preorders for those devices opened today, and they will go on sale starting September 19. Unlike the iPhone Air, these phones sold in China will feature a physical SIM slot (and slightly smaller batteries).
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
