Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-09-15 00:27Core Viewpoint - Apple's launch of the iPhone Air, which only supports eSIM cards, is seen as a potential catalyst for the "cardless" mobile phone trend in China, although its impact may be limited due to market dynamics and competition from existing models [1][5][6]. Industry Summary - The three major telecom operators in China have indicated readiness to support eSIM technology but are awaiting regulatory approval to proceed with eSIM card services [1][4]. - The iPhone Air's introduction is viewed as a significant opportunity to promote eSIM adoption in China, despite the model's delayed release in the market [4]. - Industry analysts express skepticism about the iPhone Air's appeal, noting that it lacks certain features compared to other models in the iPhone series, which may limit its market success [5][6]. Company Summary - China Unicom, as the first operator to support eSIM for iPhones, has experienced a surge in interest, although the actual rollout of eSIM services is still pending regulatory confirmation [3][4]. - Other major smartphone manufacturers, including OPPO and vivo, are expected to release eSIM-compatible devices by the end of the year, indicating a gradual shift towards eSIM technology in the market [6][7]. - The introduction of eSIM technology may lead to increased competition among telecom operators, as it allows for easier switching between providers, although the current market dynamics suggest that factors like signal strength and pricing remain more influential in user decisions [8][9].