Apple's superthin, eSIM-only iPhone Air is finally making its way to China after a delay. The staggered release highlights a major tech transition, pushing a massive market to catch up with the future of connectivity.
Here’s the deal with the iPhone Air in China
After a bit of a wait, Apple is officially bringing its sleek iPhone Air to mainland China. CEO Tim Cook announced that preorders will kick off on October 17, with the phone hitting stores on October 22. The hold-up, as reported by Bloomberg, was all about giving local carriers time to get their networks ready for the phone’s key feature: it’s eSIM-only.
This means the iPhone Air has no physical SIM card tray. By ditching that tiny slot, Apple managed to squeeze in a larger battery, a pretty sweet trade-off for its ultra-thin design. While the standard iPhone 17 models in China still have physical SIM slots, the Air is forcing a change. This was made possible after China Mobile, a major carrier, finally received its approval to launch eSIM services.
Why this is important
Tim Cook announces that iPhone Air preorders will start on October 17th in China. | Image credit — Weibo
Apple forcing the eSIM issue in China is a significant power move. China is a massive, critical market, and its carriers have been slow to adopt eSIMs due to regulatory hurdles. While some competing Android flagships, like Huawei’s Pura 70 Pro, do offer eSIM capabilities, it’s far from standard. Many high-end domestic phones still rely on traditional dual-SIM setups, which users there have come to expect.
By launching a high-profile, eSIM-only device, Apple is essentially strong-arming the industry into changing things up. It’s a bet that the appeal of the iPhone Air will be enough to get both carriers and consumers to embrace the new standard. For a market that values flexibility, this could be a bumpy transition, but it’s one that will accelerate the move away from plastic SIM cards for everyone.
Have you moved on to an e-SIM only phone?
Yes
37.5%
No
62.5%
The resistance feels futile at this point
I’m not going to lie, I've been dragging my feet on the whole eSIM-only future. I’ve always disliked being forced into a new standard, especially when it takes away the tangible control of a physical SIM card. That simple pop-and-swap when you travel or test a new phone is a convenience that software menus and QR codes just can't replicate. It feels like a solution to a problem that didn't really exist.
But let's be real. When Apple removes a feature, it's usually gone for good, and the industry eventually follows. Seeing them make this same push in a market as massive and complex as China is the final signal that the physical SIM's days are numbered in flagship phones. As much as I've resisted it, and as much as I value that little piece of plastic, it feels like it’s time to realize the fight is over. This is where the industry is headed, whether we like it or not.
Relive the most iconic and unforgettable phones from the past 20 years! Iconic Phones is a stunningly illustrated book we’ve been crafting for over a year—and it’s set to launch in just a couple of months!
Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips is the ultimate coffee table book for any phone enthusiast. Featuring the stories of more than 20 beloved devices, it takes you on a nostalgic journey through the mobile revolution that transformed our world. Don’t miss out—sign up today to lock in your early-bird discount!
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
![If you woke up to SOS mode on your Verizon phone, you weren't alone [UPDATED]](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/174761-wide-two_350/If-you-woke-up-to-SOS-mode-on-your-Verizon-phone-you-werent-alone-UPDATED.webp)
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: