Apple to Begin iPhone Air Pre-Orders in China After Telecom eSIM Approval | 13 Oct 2025

Apple to Begin iPhone Air Pre-Orders in China After eSIM Approval

Beijing / Shanghai, October 13, 2025 — Apple is set to open pre-orders for its new iPhone Air in China this week, following official government approval for eSIM services by the country’s three major telecom operators.

This marks a major milestone for Apple, as the iPhone Air will be its first eSIM-only device in China, meaning it will not feature a physical SIM card slot — a move signaling the future of mobile connectivity in the region.

According to sources close to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom have received clearance to launch limited eSIM trials. Following this regulatory green light, Apple is preparing to roll out the iPhone Air, a launch expected to reshape China’s smartphone landscape.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed on Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, that pre-orders will begin on October 17, while official sales will start on October 22. He described the iPhone Air as a “technological revolution combining power, lightness, and next-generation connectivity.”

The starting price of the iPhone Air will reportedly be 7,999 yuan (around $1,122 USD) — positioning it just below Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 lineup. Analysts expect strong demand, particularly among younger consumers interested in Apple’s shift to fully digital SIM technology.

Apple had delayed the iPhone Air’s release in China last month due to pending eSIM regulatory approval. As eSIM adoption is still in its early stages in China, Apple worked closely with national telecom providers to ensure security compliance and seamless integration with local networks.

Industry observers believe this launch could become one of Apple’s most significant breakthroughs in China. The company’s previous iPhone 16 series achieved record-breaking sales within minutes, underscoring China’s continued enthusiasm for Apple products despite increasing competition from Huawei and Xiaomi.

However, experts caution that widespread consumer adoption of eSIM may take time, as many users are still unfamiliar with the digital activation process. To ease the transition, Apple plans to establish dedicated eSIM support stations inside its retail stores across China.

Market analysts say the iPhone Air symbolizes the future of smartphone technology — lighter, faster, and entirely digital. If the rollout proceeds smoothly, Apple could further strengthen its position as a leader in innovation and user experience in China’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.