Apple will release its upcoming iPhone 17 series on September 19 in most countries around the world. However, the launch of the eSIM-only iPhone Air is being delayed in China. This delay is likely due to regulatory issues concerning the approval of the embedded SIM.
Apple’s website notes that all three Chinese state-owned network providers, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, will offer eSIM support for the iPhone Air. The site states that the timing of the phone’s release will be subject to regulatory approval. Pre-orders for the other new phones in the lineup will begin on Friday.
Apple told local media that it was working with regulatory authorities to bring the iPhone Air to China as soon as possible. This statement followed a report that referred to a China Mobile post on Weibo. The post stated the network has enabled eSIM services for mobile phones but did not mention a specific launch date.
China Telecom also posted about launching its own eSIM service on September 19, the original release date for the iPhone 17 line. That post has since been removed. Apple did not immediately return a request for comment.