Tech Desk 
Sep 12, 2025
While the whole world is going to embrace the latest iPhone 17 series and its headlining variant, the iPhone Air, which Apple claims to be the thinnest iPhone it has ever created, it seems that China won't receive the iPhone Air for the time being.
Just in case you're wondering why Apple is not going to release the iPhone Air in China, we're here to put an end to your quest.
iPhone Air won't be released in China because of eSIM support
The reason Apple has postponed preorders for the iPhone Air in mainland China is unresolved regulatory issues regarding eSIM support.
It must be noted that the ultra-thin iPhone was initially scheduled for launch in China today, alongside its US release, with full availability slated for September 19.
The delay was corroborated from Apple's Chinese store page, where the iPhone Air listing states that “release information will be updated later.”
On the other hand, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are available for preorder in China as per their schedule and will begin shipping next week.
The primary hurdle is Apple’s choice to make the iPhone Air eSIM-only globally. Unlike many other countries, eSIM technology has not been adopted in mainland China, where local phones still rely on physical SIM cards. In the wake of this reason, previous iPhone models sold in China did not include eSIM functionality.
Nevertheless, Apple has assured Chinese media that it is “working closely with regulatory authorities to bring the iPhone Air to China as soon as possible.”
