Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Apple Delays China Launch of eSIM‑Only iPhone Air as iPhone 17 Demand Builds and Xiaomi Steps Up

Regulatory approval for eSIM service is required in China, with carriers indicating preparedness.

Overview

  • Apple says the iPhone Air will go on sale in China immediately after regulators approve its eSIM‑only activation, and the model does not support a physical SIM card.
  • Apple lists China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom as eSIM partners subject to approval, and the carriers say services are ready but await MIIT authorization.
  • Preorders for iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max opened on September 12, with analyst reports indicating stronger early demand than last year and Pro Max leading.
  • Apple China published higher out‑of‑warranty repair fees, including a 2,698 yuan screen repair for iPhone 17, up 400 yuan from iPhone 16, and AppleCare+ pricing from 1,199 yuan.
  • Xiaomi officially announced the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max with a new rear sub‑screen and positioned the series to directly compete with iPhone in the high‑end segment.