Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-10-20 15:08Core Viewpoint - The approval of eSIM commercial trials by China's three major telecom operators marks a significant step towards the widespread adoption of eSIM technology in smartphones, with the iPhone Air leading the charge in the domestic market [1][2]. Group 1: eSIM Commercialization - China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have received approval to conduct eSIM commercial trials across all 31 provinces in China, allowing users to register for networks without a physical SIM card [1]. - The iPhone Air, set to launch on October 22, is the first smartphone in China to support only eSIM, achieving over 100 million yuan in sales within one second during pre-sales [1]. - Domestic manufacturers like Huawei and OPPO are expected to follow suit by launching their own eSIM-enabled smartphones [1]. Group 2: Supply Chain and Technology - The supply of domestic eSIM chips is still in the early stages, with companies like Unisoc and Tongfu Microelectronics being key players in the supply chain [1][3]. - Unisoc has developed eSIM chip technology that is compatible with over 400 global operators, but the final selection of domestic operators and partners remains unclear [1][6]. - The eSIM chip supply process is hindered by the need for clear operational protocols and collaboration models between telecom operators and smartphone manufacturers [6]. Group 3: Industry Development and Future Prospects - The eSIM market in China has experienced various phases, including exploration, trial, suspension, and re-initiation, with significant advancements made since 2015 [2][3]. - Companies like Huada Semiconductor and Changdian Technology are actively developing new technologies and expanding their market presence in the eSIM sector [4][5]. - The future of the eSIM market is contingent on the successful establishment of a collaborative ecosystem among industry players, as emphasized by the three major telecom operators [7].