Global Release on Schedule, China Faces Delay
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 series is set to launch globally on 19 September, but one key model, the iPhone Air, will not be available in China at launch. The delay stems from pending regulatory approval for its embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, a feature central to the device’s design.
While Apple confirmed that China’s three major state-owned carriers—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—will support eSIM on the iPhone Air, the final rollout remains dependent on official clearance from regulators.
Carriers Prepare for eSIM, But Approval Still Pending
According to a report in the South China Morning Post, Apple is actively working with authorities to make the device available in China “as soon as possible.” China Mobile even confirmed through Weibo that eSIM functionality had been enabled for mobile phones, but no release date was announced.
China Telecom briefly published a post on RedNote, indicating its plans to roll out eSIM services on 19 September, coinciding with the global iPhone 17 launch. However, the post was later removed, signaling ongoing uncertainty over the timeline.
Pre-Orders Begin Elsewhere
Despite the setback in China, pre-orders for other iPhone 17 models are moving forward as planned. According to TechCrunch, global pre-orders are set to begin on Friday, with Apple expecting strong demand across its traditional markets.
The delay impacts only the iPhone Air, which introduces Apple’s streamlined eSIM-only approach in several regions. The company has increasingly shifted away from physical SIM cards in recent years, promoting eSIM as a more flexible and secure solution for users.
Implications for Apple in China
China remains one of Apple’s most critical markets, and delays in the iPhone Air launch may temporarily dampen sales momentum. However, analysts expect the company to push for a resolution quickly, given its reliance on Chinese consumers and the growing adoption of eSIM globally.
Until approval is granted, Apple’s focus will remain on ensuring its new devices—including the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Max—launch smoothly in China alongside the rest of the world.
