The launch of Apple‘s new iPhone Air device in China appears to have been pushed, with its website in the country not allowing customers to place pre-orders.
As first spotted by Bloomberg, Apple’s China website has a message on its iPhone Air page stating “release information will be updated later”.
The company, which unveiled iPhone Air alongside other new products this week, had stated the ultra-thin device would be available for pre-order in the region today (12 September), ahead of general availability on 19 September. The timeline matched the US and other major markets.
The Phone Air, however, uses only eSIM technology and does not have the capability to use a physical SIM. Notably, the Chinese market has traditionally mainly relied on physical SIMs and eSIM technology adoption has been limited.
Reuters reported earlier today all three of China’s major operators would provide eSIM support for the device, but the move will be subject to regulatory approval – which could explain the delay.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Apple
