Chinese Mobile Operators Adopt eSIM for iPhone Air, Signaling Shift from Physical Cards
Apple has launched the iPhone Air, its first ultra-slim handset designed exclusively for eSIM technology, marking a significant milestone in China's telecommunications sector. This release has prompted immediate action from China's three major mobile operators: China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom. China Unicom is currently the sole provider supporting eSIM activation for the device in mainland China, requiring users to visit physical stores for identity verification and setup. Meanwhile, China Telecom announced that its eSIM services are ready and awaiting final regulatory approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for commercial trials. China Mobile stated it already supports eSIM infrastructure and will share availability details soon. This development accelerates the transition away from traditional physical SIM cards in China, challenging established usage norms. The shift highlights the growing integration of digital subscriber identity modules in consumer electronics. Additionally, the article notes that Apple Intelligence features remain unavailable in China due to ongoing regulatory compliance and technical integration efforts with local partners like Alibaba and Baidu, expected to resolve by late 2025.
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Chinese Mobile Operators Adopt eSIM for iPhone Air, Signaling Shift from Physical Cards
Apple has launched the iPhone Air, its first ultra-slim handset designed exclusively for eSIM technology, marking a significant milestone in China's telecommunications sector. This release has prompted immediate action from China's three major mobile operators: China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom. China Unicom is currently the sole provider supporting eSIM activation for the device in mainland China, requiring users to visit physical stores for identity verification and setup. Meanwhile, China Telecom announced that its eSIM services are ready and awaiting final regulatory approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for commercial trials. China Mobile stated it already supports eSIM infrastructure and will share availability details soon. This development accelerates the transition away from traditional physical SIM cards in China, challenging established usage norms. The shift highlights the growing integration of digital subscriber identity modules in consumer electronics. Additionally, the article notes that Apple Intelligence features remain unavailable in China due to ongoing regulatory compliance and technical integration efforts with local partners like Alibaba and Baidu, expected to resolve by late 2025.
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