失约的iPhone Air，焦急的运营商

Core Viewpoint - The launch of Apple's iPhone Air in China has been delayed due to regulatory issues surrounding eSIM technology, which is not yet supported by local telecom operators [2][3][7]. Group 1: iPhone Air Launch - The iPhone Air, Apple's lightest flagship smartphone, was expected to be released on September 19, but its availability has been postponed with the website indicating "to be updated" [2]. - The iPhone Air is designed to support only eSIM technology, which is not currently available for consumers in China due to regulatory hurdles [3][5]. Group 2: eSIM Technology and Regulatory Environment - eSIM technology allows for remote activation of mobile services, but China has not yet approved eSIM services for smartphones, leading to a cautious approach from Apple regarding the iPhone Air's release [3][4]. - Telecom operators in China, including China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, are preparing to offer eSIM services but are awaiting regulatory approval [4][8]. Group 3: Telecom Operators' Readiness - China Mobile has completed system upgrades to support eSIM services and is expecting formal approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) soon [4]. - China Unicom has launched an eSIM section on its website but has not yet made eSIM services available for smartphones [4][6]. Group 4: Industry Perspectives - Analysts believe that the adoption of eSIM technology in China is inevitable, but the timeline is contingent on regulatory approvals and the readiness of telecom operators [4][14]. - The security concerns surrounding eSIM technology have led to a cautious regulatory approach, with the government prioritizing user privacy and fraud prevention [10][11][19]. Group 5: Future Outlook - There is a consensus that once regulatory hurdles are cleared, eSIM technology will be widely adopted across various devices, including smartphones and wearables [21]. - The industry is actively working on enhancing the security of eSIM technology to meet regulatory standards, with some operators exploring blockchain for identity verification [18][20].