Apple has officially obtained regulatory approval to launch the iPhone Air in China, a significant milestone for the company’s next-generation device. Pre-orders will begin on October 17, with retail availability starting on October 22 in Apple Stores and authorized resellers across the country. This approval follows months of collaboration between Apple and China’s leading telecom operators—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—to ensure compatibility and compliance for eSIM activation. The iPhone Air is Apple’s first eSIM-only iPhone in China, removing the traditional physical SIM tray and representing a major technological shift for the local smartphone market.
“Excited to announce iPhone Air will be available next week and pre-orders start this Friday, October 17,” stated Apple CEO Tim Cook on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Cook is anticipated to visit China during the launch period, with stops planned at Tsinghua University and meetings with local creators and developers. During his trip, Apple also announced a donation to the university, highlighting the company’s continued investment in China’s innovation ecosystem. Unveiled globally earlier this year, the iPhone Air is recognized as Apple’s slimmest smartphone to date, measuring just 5.6mm thick. Despite its ultra-slim design, it maintains the brand’s signature premium build quality and advanced performance.
The introduction of an eSIM-only model necessitated significant changes by China’s telecom providers, as the shift to digital SIMs is still relatively recent in the country. While Apple’s transition to eSIM-only models has been smooth in international markets, unique regulatory challenges existed in China. The government required telecom operators to complete a thorough testing and certification process before granting final approval. With this approval now secured, all three state-owned carriers are preparing for a nationwide launch of eSIM services, ensuring users can easily activate their new devices. Priced at 7,999 yuan (approximately ₹91,000), the iPhone Air is positioned as a premium addition to Apple’s Chinese lineup, alongside the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Analysts believe that bringing the iPhone Air to China could enhance Apple’s competitive position in one of the world’s most significant smartphone markets, especially as it continues to compete with strong domestic rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi. In addition to the iPhone Air, Apple is preparing for further product releases in China later this year. Updated versions of the iPad Pro and Vision Pro are reportedly on the way, reflecting the company’s broader strategy to expand its product ecosystem in the region. With pre-orders launching this Friday and excitement growing among Chinese consumers, Apple’s latest initiative signifies not just a new chapter for the iPhone lineup but also a strategic move towards a fully digital mobile future.