The iPhone Air quickly sold out across online platforms in China shortly after pre-orders began on Friday. Demand for the device surged, with Apple’s online store and the official Tmall flagship marking multiple color and storage options as unavailable within just two hours. This reflects a demand even greater than that seen in Western markets last month. The starting price is 7,999 yuan (approximately $1,122). The iPhone Air was introduced globally in September but faced a delay in mainland China due to pending government approval for eSIM technology, which allows for slimmer smartphone designs by replacing physical SIM cards. The launch aligns with the recent authorization of eSIM trials by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, enabling Chinese users to activate mobile numbers without physical SIM cards for the first time. Major carriers, including China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, have confirmed receipt of approval to begin commercial operations, allowing the iPhone Air to launch without regulatory hurdles.
previous post

