Core Viewpoint - The launch of the first domestic eSIM-enabled phone, iPhone Air, has been met with operational challenges, particularly regarding age restrictions for eSIM activation, which may hinder access for older users [1][3]. Group 1: eSIM Activation Challenges - A user reported being denied eSIM activation due to being over 60 years old, as the current policy requires users to be between 18 and 60 years old [3]. - China Telecom confirmed the age restriction for eSIM activation, which is part of the trial phase of the eSIM service [5]. - In contrast, China Unicom and China Mobile have set lower age limits, with Unicom requiring users to be at least 16 years old and Mobile requiring 18 [5]. Group 2: Complexity of eSIM Process - The eSIM activation process is described as cumbersome, requiring users to visit physical stores with identification and devices, as online activation is not available during the commercial phase [5]. - Users must return to their number's original location for eSIM conversion, as cross-province conversions are not supported [5]. - A user managed to convert a physical SIM to eSIM by falsely claiming to have lost their SIM card, highlighting potential loopholes in the system [6]. Group 3: Security and Future Developments - The restrictions on eSIM services are attributed to risk management and technical security concerns, particularly regarding the potential for remote anonymous account creation and telecom fraud [8]. - The three major operators had previously suspended eSIM services, with a planned resumption in June 2025 under strict conditions, including offline real-name activation and security certificate requirements [8]. - Future advancements in remote real-name authentication technology and system upgrades are expected to simplify the eSIM activation process, allowing users to complete it online without visiting physical stores [8].

期待许久的 eSIM 手机终于来了。 2025年10月13日，工信部正式批复三大运营商开展 eSIM 手机运营服务商用试验，标志着国内通信正式进入"无卡时代"。 昨日晚，中国联通、中国移动、中国电信相继官宣，已获批启动 eSIM 手机商用试验，正式上线 eSIM 业务。 此次批复是继2023年因安全风险暂停 eSIM 业务后，监管部门再次放开手机端 eSIM 应用。具体来说，2025年 6月，工信部正式批复三大运营商全面推进 eSIM 技 术应用，要求其通过技术升级解决实名认证漏洞、跨境写卡滥用等问题。 根据中国移动和中国电信的预约界面，目前 eSIM 手机业务的套餐与实体 SIM 卡的套餐一致，补换成 eSIM 卡（含跨区补换成eSIM卡）暂不收费。 经过三个月的准备，工信部正式批复三大运营商开展 eSIM 手机业务运营服务的商用试验，这意味着 eSIM 技术将全面进入国内手机市场。 当前，用户可通过运营商官方 App 预约相关服务，并前往线下营业厅办理，现阶段暂不开放线上业务。据悉，受安全管控要求，线下办理成当前唯一渠道。 需要注意的是，用户首次办理运营商 eSIM 号码新入网时，需携带本人（不支持代办） ...

"iPhone Air 国行版将于 10 月 17 日开启预订，10 月 22 日正式发售。" 10 月 13 日晚，苹果公司 CEO 蒂姆· 库克现身抖音平台的 Apple Store 直播间，亲自宣布了这一消息。目前 Apple 中国区官网已经正式更新了这 一发售信息，印证了这一消息。 价格方面，国行版 iPhone Air 提供了三种存储配置：256GB 版本定价 7999 元，512GB 版本为 9999 元， 1TB 版本售价 11999 元。 目前 iPhone Air 预售渠道覆盖苹果官方及多家合作伙伴，消费者可通过苹果官网、Apple Store app、Apple Store 天猫官方旗舰店、Apple Store 微信小程序、Apple Store 抖音官方旗舰店以及三大运营商渠道进行预 购。 图源：Apple 官网 这款仅支持 eSIM 的智能手机终于要与中国消费者见面，它的到来恰逢中国通信行业迎来历史性时刻—— 国内三大运营商同时宣布启动 eSIM 手机业务商用试验，标志着中国大陆正式迈入"无卡"通信时代。 图源：不客观实验室 天猫 Apple Store 官方旗舰店已在 10 月 1 ...

Core Points - The iPhone Air will officially be available for pre-order in China starting October 17 and will be released on October 22, marking its entry into the domestic market as the first pure eSIM phone [1][3] - The launch of the iPhone Air signifies the beginning of eSIM technology implementation in the Chinese mobile phone market [3][4] eSIM Policies and Procedures - All three major telecom operators in China (China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom) support eSIM services, but users must visit a physical store to activate or switch to an eSIM [6][11] - China Unicom has the broadest range of accepted identification documents for eSIM activation, while China Mobile and China Telecom have more limited options [8][10] - Users can convert their existing physical SIM cards to eSIMs at the store, but the original physical SIM will become inactive after conversion [11] eSIM Capacity and Limitations - The iPhone Air can store and activate a maximum of two eSIMs simultaneously, which is fewer than the international version that supports up to eight [12] - Users can add international eSIMs only when they are outside of China, and the total number of eSIMs that can be stored may reach eight when including international cards [14][15] - There are restrictions on the number of new eSIM activations and replacements per month, with a maximum of two new activations and five replacements allowed [19][20] Device Compatibility and Restrictions - The domestic version of the iPhone Air is pre-installed with a trust certificate necessary for activating local eSIMs, making it incompatible with international versions [16][18] - Users must visit a store to deactivate or cancel eSIM services, similar to the process for physical SIM cards [22] Market Position and Consumer Sentiment - The iPhone Air's pricing and eSIM limitations may affect its market appeal, especially compared to the iPhone 17 standard version [23][25] - Despite its limitations, the iPhone Air represents a significant step in the adoption of eSIM technology in China, appealing to consumers who prioritize design and brand over technical specifications [25]

Group 1 - Apple plans to eliminate physical SIM card slots for the iPhone 17 series in more countries and regions this year [1][3] - Retail staff of Apple authorized dealers must complete eSIM-related training by September 5, indicating a broader implementation of eSIM technology beyond the EU [1] - The iPhone 14 series and newer models in the US do not have SIM card slots and rely solely on eSIM technology [3] Group 2 - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will not feature a SIM card slot due to its ultra-thin design, with the possibility that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will also only support eSIM in international markets [3] - Apple previously promoted eSIM as being more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be lost or removed by thieves [4] - Users can manage at least eight eSIMs on one iPhone, eliminating the need to swap SIM cards while traveling [4]