Core Insights - The iPhone Air, launched on October 22 at a starting price of 7999 yuan, is the first phone in China to adopt eSIM technology. Initial pre-orders sold out within five minutes, but post-launch market performance has cooled significantly, with reports of excess inventory and price drops below official retail prices [1][3]. Sales Performance - Compared to the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone Air's launch was underwhelming, with reports indicating low consumer interest and concerns over battery life due to its thin design. The timing of the launch, coinciding with the upcoming Double Eleven shopping festival, has led to increased availability of lower-priced alternatives online [3][5]. - In the second-hand market, the iPhone Air has already seen price drops, with listings showing prices close to or even below the official retail price, contrasting sharply with the iPhone 17 series, which experienced significant price premiums upon release [3][5]. Supply Chain Impact - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that demand for the iPhone Air is below expectations, prompting suppliers to reduce production capacity by over 80% by Q1 2026. This shift suggests that existing Pro and standard models are adequately meeting high-end consumer demand, leaving little room for new market segments [5]. eSIM Technology - The iPhone Air's key feature is its reliance on eSIM technology, which eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. Users must visit a physical store to activate the eSIM, which has raised concerns among some consumers about the complexity of the process [6][7]. - eSIM technology, while new to smartphones, has been utilized in wearables and IoT devices for years. The adoption of eSIM in smartphones marks a significant shift in the Chinese mobile communications industry towards a "cardless era" [7]. Consumer Sentiment - Consumer feedback on the iPhone Air has been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the eSIM activation process and concerns about the device's battery life due to its ultra-thin design [8].

以下文章来源于科创板日报 ，作者李佳怡 科创板日报 . 专注科创板和科技创新，上海报业集团主管主办，界面财联社出品。 史上最薄的iPhone，能获得市场认可吗？ 迟滞近一周后，iPhone Air于10月22日正式在中国市场开售。此前，因eSIM技术的商用批复问题，这款新品未能与全球市场同步上架。 然而，相较iPhone 17系列推出后便迅速赢得市场青睐的表现，《科创板日报》记者观察发现，iPhone Air在线下及线上的市场表现则相对 平淡。 iPhone Air发售遇冷，只能当备用机？ 10月22日，号称"史上最薄"的iPhone Air正式开售。 资料显示，iPhone Air起售价为7999元。其搭载A19 Pro芯片，配备6.5英寸超视网膜XDR显示屏，机身重量为165g，厚度仅为5.6mm。 与iPhone 17系列采用铝金属制作工艺不同，iPhone Air采用钛金属边框，且仅支持eSIM、不兼容实体SIM卡。 近日，《科创板日报》记者走访上海市区多家苹果授权自营店、授权经销店见到了iPhone Air 展出真机。可以看到，该款机型做工精致， 上手轻薄，厚度目测约两枚一元硬币叠加。 与此同时，记 ...

Core Viewpoint - The iPhone Air, marketed as the "thinnest iPhone ever," has experienced a lukewarm market reception in China, contrasting sharply with the strong demand seen for the iPhone 17 series [1][2][4]. Product Overview - The iPhone Air was officially launched on October 22, with a starting price of 7999 yuan. It features the A19 Pro chip, a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, weighs 165g, and has a thickness of only 5.6mm. Unlike the iPhone 17 series, it uses a titanium frame and only supports eSIM, lacking compatibility with physical SIM cards [2][4]. - Initial stock was limited, with reports indicating that only a few units were available for immediate purchase, suggesting a reliance on online pre-orders [4][6]. Market Performance - The sales environment for the iPhone Air has been notably quiet, with few inquiries from potential buyers. Sales staff indicated that the device is more suitable as a secondary phone rather than a primary one, citing average battery life and limited camera capabilities [4][6]. - The iPhone Air's video playback battery life is reported at 27 hours, which is significantly lower than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 37 hours and the standard iPhone 17's 30 hours [4]. Secondary Market Dynamics - In the second-hand market, the iPhone Air has not seen the price premiums that were common with the iPhone 17 series. Instead, it is being sold at prices lower than the official retail price by 300-700 yuan [7]. Supply Chain and Production Insights - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has warned of lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone Air, predicting a significant reduction in supply chain capacity by over 80% by Q1 2026. This suggests that existing models are adequately meeting high-end user needs, making it challenging to find new market segments [17]. - There are rumors regarding a potential pause in iPhone Air production due to disappointing sales, although official sources have denied any current plans to halt production [17][18]. eSIM Market Impact - The iPhone Air's mandatory use of eSIM technology has posed challenges in the Chinese market, where consumer awareness and acceptance are still developing. This has limited the device's appeal and sales potential [18][19]. - The launch of the iPhone Air has prompted a revival of eSIM services in China, with major telecom operators announcing the resumption of eSIM mobile services across the country [18][19].

Core Insights - The iPhone Air, launched on October 22, has experienced a lukewarm market response, contrasting sharply with the initial excitement surrounding the iPhone 17 series [1][2] - The device's delayed release and concerns over its eSIM functionality and battery life have contributed to its lackluster sales performance [2][3] Sales Performance - On its first day of sale, the iPhone Air faced price drops below the official retail price, indicating weak demand [2] - Retailers reported that the iPhone Air was "almost ignored" by customers, with most interest directed towards the iPhone 17 Pro models [2] - As of the report, only about thirty units of the iPhone Air had been sold in a specific store, highlighting its poor sales trajectory [2] eSIM Technology - The iPhone Air is the first iPhone in China to utilize eSIM technology, which allows for a thinner design by integrating the SIM card into the device [4][5] - Concerns regarding the convenience of switching between eSIM and physical SIM cards have been raised by potential buyers [3][7] - The eSIM technology is expected to enhance security by reducing the risk of SIM card theft and fraud [7] Market Trends - Despite the initial struggles of the iPhone Air, the global eSIM market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated 10 billion eSIM connections by 2025 and 69 billion by 2030 [8][9] - Domestic brands are also preparing to launch eSIM-enabled devices, with OPPO and other manufacturers planning to release their own models soon [9] - The introduction of eSIM technology is anticipated to drive a shift in the telecommunications and consumer electronics industries, fostering a "cardless era" [10]

Core Insights - The demand for the newly launched iPhone Air is lower than expected, leading to a significant reduction in supply chain output and production capacity [1] - Apple plans to cut the production of iPhone Air by 1 million units while increasing the production of the iPhone 17 series by 2 million units [3] - The iPhone Air's launch day performance was lackluster compared to the iPhone 17 series, with fewer customers visiting stores and limited interest in eSIM consultations [4] Group 1 - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that by Q1 2026, most suppliers will reduce their production capacity by over 80%, with some components expected to cease production by the end of 2025 [1] - The iPhone Air's design, featuring a thickness of only 5.64 mm and a weight of 165 grams, is attributed to the elimination of the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIM technology [4] - Market research indicates that there is "almost no demand" for the iPhone Air, and consumer willingness to pay for new form factors like foldable devices is limited [4][5] Group 2 - Historical analysis shows that previous models like the iPhone mini and Plus failed to create new market segments, with the mini being too small and the Plus lacking differentiation [5] - Apple is reassessing its product line and market strategy in light of the iPhone Air's underperformance, with plans for a foldable iPad potentially delayed until 2029 due to engineering challenges [6] - Following the disappointing demand for the iPhone Air, Apple-related stocks in Hong Kong experienced declines, with companies like FIH Mobile and Luxshare Precision seeing significant drops [7]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the iPhone Air, a pure eSIM phone, marks a significant shift towards a "SIM-less" future, but the actual implementation and user experience reveal complexities and limitations that may hinder widespread adoption [1][10][30]. Group 1: Product Launch and Market Response - Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the iPhone Air, which will be available in China starting October 22, emphasizing the transition to eSIM technology [1]. - The iPhone Air sold out within five minutes of its pre-sale, indicating strong initial demand, but subsequent concerns about eSIM activation processes have emerged [3][6]. - Analysts predict that Apple may reduce production by 1 million units due to lower-than-expected sales, influenced by mixed international market reactions [3][6]. Group 2: eSIM Technology and User Experience - The iPhone Air supports a maximum of two eSIM numbers, and users must visit physical stores to activate eSIMs, which complicates the process compared to traditional SIM cards [2][17]. - Users must present identification and visit their phone number's local service provider to activate eSIMs, which contrasts with the convenience of online activation for physical SIM cards [18][19]. - The eSIM technology allows for easier switching between carriers and eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, but the current implementation in China is cumbersome and requires in-person visits [12][28]. Group 3: Industry Implications and Challenges - The introduction of eSIM technology is seen as a potential game-changer for mobile devices, allowing for more internal space and innovative designs [35][36]. - However, the reluctance of Chinese telecom operators to fully embrace eSIM technology due to concerns over user retention and security has created barriers to its adoption [37][40]. - The current eSIM process in China resembles the traditional SIM card experience, limiting its advantages and leading to frustration among users [30][26].

eSIM并非新技术，所谓eSIM手机，也就是将实体SIM卡功能集成到手机内置芯片中，消费者购买具备 eSIM功能的手机后，无需插入实体SIM卡，就可将电话号码通过空中下载的方式写入内置eSIM芯片。 通俗地看，可以把它理解为一个数据文件，有了它，各种电子终端就能连接上网，接拨电话、发短信 等，功能上和普通SIM卡无异。用户未来无需担心SIM卡遗失等问题带来的不便，也不需要到处找卡 针；对于跨国出行较多的人，也不需要频繁换卡等。 一位消费者向记者表示："我使用的是安卓手机和eSIM手表。我换手表不换号，感觉还是挺方便的。" 就像多数智能手机的内置电池一样，SIM卡或许也会告别独立形态，和手机融为一体。 10月22日，iPhone Air国行版正式发售，该机型仅支持eSIM，是国内三大运营商首批支持eSIM手机业务 的机型。国产品牌迅速跟进，华为、OPPO等厂商的eSIM手机，均将陆续上市销售。 前两篇文章，我们从eSIM供应链全局、核心芯片视角发掘无卡时代机遇。本篇，我们从终端使用者视 角分析，eSIM将给普通人的生活带来哪些改变？数十万人排队申请eSIM手机业务，一个新的消费电子 战场来了？ 国内手机厂商也将 ...

Core Insights - The three major telecom operators in China, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, have been approved to conduct commercial trials of eSIM technology nationwide, allowing users to register without a physical SIM card [1][5] - Apple is set to release the iPhone Air, the first smartphone in China to support only eSIM, on October 22, with pre-sales achieving over 100 million yuan in just one second [1][4] - Domestic eSIM applications in smartphones are in the early stages, with previous efforts having faced various phases of exploration and stagnation [5] Telecom Operators' Strategies - China Mobile is focusing on the localization of eSIM chip technology and aims to develop more secure and functional eSIM terminals [7] - China Unicom has been a pioneer in eSIM technology since 2015 and has adapted 75 terminal types, serving over a million users [7][8] - China Telecom plans to collaborate with industry partners to build an open and cooperative eSIM ecosystem [8] Chip Manufacturers and Supply Chain - Unisoc is the first domestic chip manufacturer to achieve global commercial use of eSIM, with products compliant with GSMA standards [5] - The supply of domestic eSIM chips is contingent on the clarification of business models and partnerships between telecom operators and smartphone manufacturers [7] - Companies like Huada Electronics and Changdian Technology are actively developing technologies to capture market opportunities in the eSIM sector [6][7] Market Potential and Future Developments - The eSIM market is expected to grow significantly, with manufacturers and service providers keenly observing the evolving landscape [6][9] - Apple plans to introduce an eSIM Quick Transfer feature in the Chinese market, indicating a push towards enhancing user experience [9]

Core Insights - The introduction of eSIM technology by major Chinese telecom operators marks a significant shift from traditional SIM cards to embedded SIMs, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency [1][2][3] Industry Impact - eSIM technology allows for remote digital management of user data, which can lower operational costs for telecom operators [2] - The removal of physical SIM card slots enables smartphone manufacturers to design lighter and more water-resistant devices, potentially leading to innovative product designs [3] - eSIMs can support a wide range of devices beyond smartphones, including smartwatches and tablets, thus expanding the market for eSIM-enabled products [2] User Benefits - Users no longer need to worry about losing or damaging physical SIM cards, as eSIMs can be activated quickly through a QR code scan at service centers [2] - Frequent travelers can easily switch between domestic and international services without the hassle of changing physical SIM cards, enhancing the overall user experience [2] - eSIMs provide flexibility in managing multiple devices under a single account, allowing for a more streamlined communication experience [2]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of eSIM technology by major Chinese telecom operators marks a significant shift in mobile communication, enhancing convenience and flexibility for users while also providing operational benefits for the industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Benefits for Users - eSIM technology eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, reducing concerns about losing or damaging cards and simplifying the process of switching devices [2]. - Users can activate eSIM services quickly by scanning a QR code at telecom service centers, without incurring any card fees or service charges [2]. - eSIM enables easier international travel by allowing users to access local and international services without needing to purchase physical SIM cards [2]. Group 2: Industry Development - eSIM technology allows telecom operators to manage user data remotely, which can lead to reduced operational costs [3]. - The removal of SIM card slots provides smartphone manufacturers with more design flexibility, potentially leading to thinner devices and improved waterproofing [3]. - eSIM's durability makes it suitable for IoT devices operating in harsh environments, facilitating the smart upgrade of traditional industries [3]. Group 3: Current Status and Future Outlook - eSIM services are currently in a trial phase, requiring in-person activation, with ongoing improvements in service scenarios [3]. - Users are advised to understand the activation details from their operators and manage their eSIM data carefully to avoid issues like continued charges after device changes [3].