Apple has postponed the release of its new iPhone Air in mainland China due to regulatory hurdles, as reported by Bloomberg. The iPhone Air was initially scheduled for preorders on September 12, 2025, with availability commencing on September 19, aligning with timelines in the United States and other major markets. However, this schedule has been deferred for China. Apple has not announced a revised date, stating that orders will begin “as soon as possible” following regulatory approval.
The delay stems from the iPhone Air’s exclusive use of eSIM technology, which eliminates the physical SIM tray to achieve a slimmer design. While this feature enhances device aesthetics and functionality in many regions, it encounters challenges in China, where physical SIM cards remain prevalent and eSIM adoption is limited.
Apple intended to introduce the device through China Unicom initially, requiring in-store activation for eSIM. Support from carriers such as China Mobile and China Telecom was planned for a later phase. An Apple spokesperson informed Bloomberg that the company is collaborating with regulators to expedite availability in China.
The remainder of the iPhone 17 lineup, including the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, has launched on schedule in China. These models retain compatibility with physical SIM cards, avoiding similar regulatory obstacles.
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