TLDR
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Apple to launch eSIM-only iPhone Air in China on October 22 amid high stakes
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Apple unveils iPhone Air in China, ditches SIM tray for sleek, bold design
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iPhone Air hits China Oct 22: Apple bets big on eSIM’s future in key market
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iPhone Air debuts in China as Apple drives eSIM adoption with bold new step
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Apple pushes eSIM forward with iPhone Air launch in China on October 22
Apple Inc. (AAPL) closed the day at $247.66, up 0.97% from its previous closing price. In after-hours trading, shares dipped slightly by 0.10%.
The positive market sentiment came ahead of the company’s strategic move to launch the eSIM-only iPhone Air in China.
China will open preorders for the new iPhone Air starting October 17, following Apple’s announcement and regulatory developments. The official retail launch is scheduled for October 22, as local telecom operators prepare for the rollout. This development follows a brief pause by Apple to align with China’s readiness for the embedded SIM (eSIM) model.
iPhone Air: eSIM Debut Faces High Stakes in China
Apple’s latest iPhone Air eliminates the physical SIM tray to allow for a thinner design and a larger internal battery. The device was first launched on September 19 in select international markets, including the U.S., before being introduced in China. Apple delayed its entry into China due to the country’s slower transition toward eSIM infrastructure.
Now, all three major Chinese telecom providers — China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom — have received approval to support trial eSIM services. This regulatory green light enabled Apple to confirm a launch timeline for its new device in the world’s largest smartphone market. Apple aims to establish the iPhone Air as the benchmark for future iPhone models in China.
The iPhone Air will be the only eSIM-supported iPhone model available in the Chinese market at this stage. It will retail from 7,999 yuan ($1,121.56), marking it as a premium flagship offering. The launch is expected to serve as a critical test for both Apple’s innovation push and China’s digital SIM transition.
Tim Cook Confirms Launch While in China
Apple CEO Tim Cook, currently in Shanghai, confirmed the preorder date via China’s social media platform Weibo. The post signals Apple’s direct engagement with its Chinese customer base at a time of growing competition. Cook’s presence underscores the strategic significance of the Chinese market for Apple’s product pipeline.
Regulatory approval arrived on Monday, clearing the way for China Mobile Ltd. to offer eSIM services nationwide. The move swiftly allowed Apple to proceed with marketing and distribution in alignment with local requirements. By ensuring carrier readiness, Apple minimized potential hurdles for a smoother rollout.
With eSIM services now authorized, Apple is positioned to drive adoption of its slim, tray-less device design. This launch will also help the company assess future prospects for its broader eSIM strategy across Asia. The success of the iPhone Air in China could influence Apple’s upcoming product decisions in other key markets.
