The upcoming iPhone Air will be available in China, but it's unclear if consumers are ready for its eSIM-only design.

Apple's thin, eSIM-only iPhone Air is launching in China after a delay, signaling a transition as the market adapts to modern connectivity.

After a wait, the iPhone Air is coming to mainland China. Tim Cook said preorders begin October 17, and the phone arrives in stores on October 22. Bloomberg reported the delay allowed carriers time to prepare networks for the eSIM-only feature.

The iPhone Air lacks a physical SIM card tray. Removing it allowed Apple to include a larger battery in the thin design. While standard iPhone 17 models in China have physical SIM slots, the Air is pushing change, made possible after China Mobile gained approval to launch eSIM services.

Apple's focus on eSIMs in China is a significant move. China's market is large, and its carriers have been slow to adopt eSIMs because of regulations. Some Android phones, like the Huawei Pura 70 Pro, have eSIMs, but it is not standard. Many domestic phones use dual-SIM setups.

By launching a prominent, eSIM-only device, Apple is pushing the industry to change. It is betting the iPhone Air's appeal will encourage carriers and consumers to adopt the standard. While this transition could be difficult for a market that values flexibility, it should accelerate the move away from physical SIM cards.

The shift to eSIMs seems inevitable. Some dislike being forced into new standards, especially losing physical SIM card control. Swapping SIMs while traveling or testing phones is convenient, and software menus and QR codes cannot replicate it. It can feel like an unnecessary solution.

However, when Apple removes a feature, it often disappears, and the industry follows. This push in China signals the end of physical SIMs in flagship phones. Despite resistance, it seems the industry is headed in this direction.

The shift to eSIMs seems inevitable. Some dislike being forced into new standards, especially losing physical SIM card control. Swapping SIMs while traveling or testing phones is convenient, and software menus and QR codes cannot replicate it. It can feel like an unnecessary solution.

However, when Apple removes a feature, it often disappears, and the industry follows. This push in China signals the end of physical SIMs in flagship phones. Despite resistance, it seems the industry is headed in this direction.

The iPhone 17 Air might be too thin for its own good in some countries

This is why you can't buy the new iPhone Air in China right now

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Data-only plans & global coverage – use code IPHONEARENA30

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase

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Data-only plans & global coverage – use code IPHONEARENA30

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase

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We may earn a commission if you make a purchase