Supply chain issues are delaying the release of the new iPhone Air in China.

Apple's push for an eSIM-only future has hit a major wall with Chinese regulators, delaying the launch indefinitely.

Customers in China hoping to pre-order Apple's new iPhone Air encountered an issue this morning. Instead of an "add to cart" option, the company's Chinese website stated that "Release information will be updated later. All models will be released after approval." This is a setback, as Apple intended to launch the Air in China simultaneously with the US and other major markets.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the problem arises from a design choice. The iPhone Air excludes a physical SIM card tray to achieve its thinness, using only embedded SIM (eSIM) technology. The other new models—the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max—launched as scheduled in the region because they have a physical SIM slot.

This delay is more than a minor issue; it highlights a conflict between Apple's design and the reality of a large market. China's mobile infrastructure still relies heavily on physical SIM cards. eSIM adoption is not yet widespread, and regulatory approval can be complex.

For instance, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge supports both eSIM and a physical SIM card. This approach avoids the issue Apple is facing. By using an eSIM-only design for the Air, Apple's bet has not paid off in a crucial market.

It is surprising that a company such as Apple didn’t resolve this before launch day. Perhaps something occurred at the last minute.

An eSIM-only phone is generally acceptable in the US, but it can be problematic for international travelers or entire countries. It can limit user flexibility. The iPhone Air prioritizes thinness, but this delay shows that market readiness is as important as design.

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