Apple Inc. has postponed the release of its newly introduced iPhone Air in mainland China as the model is still waiting for regulatory clearance from authorities.
Website Shows Delay Notice
When pre-orders opened worldwide on Friday, Apple’s official China website did not allow customers to buy the thinner iPhone Air. Instead, visitors saw a message saying that more information would be shared once the device receives approval. Apple had earlier planned to begin pre-orders in China on September 12 with in-store sales starting September 19, in line with the U.S. and other markets.
eSIM Only Model Causes Complications
The iPhone Air is different from Apple’s other models because it is designed to use only eSIM technology, which replaces traditional physical SIM cards. While eSIM is now common in the United States and some other countries, Chinese users still mostly rely on physical SIM cards.
Due to this gap, Apple initially restricted the device’s use to China Unicom. Customers purchasing the iPhone Air were required to visit carrier stores to activate the device. Apple has said that support from China Mobile and China Telecom will follow later, once technical arrangements are completed.
Other iPhones Released on Schedule
Apple’s remaining new lineup — the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — went on sale in China as expected. Unlike the Air model, these phones still include physical SIM slots for local buyers, making them compliant with existing market needs.
What Comes Next
The exact timeline for the iPhone Air’s approval in China remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that Apple may face pressure to adjust its eSIM-only strategy in one of its largest global markets if regulatory processes take too long. Until then, Chinese customers will have to wait while buyers in the U.S. and other countries begin receiving their iPhone Air units this month.
