Core Viewpoint - The pre-sale of the iPhone Air in China began on October 17, with the first batch selling out within five minutes, indicating strong demand despite initial concerns about eSIM adoption in the market [1][8]. Group 1: Product Launch and Sales - The iPhone Air was officially announced for pre-sale on October 17, with a full release scheduled for October 22 [8]. - The iPhone Air is available in three storage options: 256GB priced at 7999 yuan, 512GB at 9999 yuan, and 1TB at 11999 yuan [6]. - The product is currently sold out on various platforms, including Apple's official website and JD.com, with only limited availability on Tmall [4][6]. Group 2: eSIM Technology Adoption - The iPhone Air features a pure eSIM design, which allows users to activate services without a physical SIM card [8]. - Major Chinese telecom operators, including China Mobile and China Unicom, have recently received approval to offer eSIM services, marking a significant step in the technology's adoption for mobile phones [8][21]. - eSIM technology has previously been used in wearables and tablets, but its introduction in smartphones represents a new phase in the Chinese market [25]. Group 3: Market Analysis and Future Outlook - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that while initial pre-sale demand for the iPhone Air appears lower than that of the iPhone 16 Plus, the production volume for the iPhone Air is expected to be significantly higher in the future [11]. - Apple's stock price has fluctuated following the launch of the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, currently standing at $247.25 with a market capitalization of $3.67 trillion [11].

Core Insights - Apple's iPhone shipments in China increased by 0.6% year-on-year in Q3, reaching 10.8 million units, securing the second position in the market despite overall demand decline [1][3] - Apple's Greater China revenue for Q3 was $15.369 billion, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth, highlighting the region's significance for Apple's income [3] Group 1: Market Performance - Apple's market share in China for Q3 stood at 15.8%, indicating a slight growth in a challenging market environment [1] - The introduction of the iPhone 17, which is perceived as a high-cost performance model, has attracted cost-conscious consumers, contributing to the increase in shipments [3] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - CEO Tim Cook's visit to China included meetings with developers and discussions on enhancing cooperation, emphasizing Apple's commitment to increasing investments in the region [3] - The launch of eSIM services by China's three major telecom operators is seen as a crucial factor for the iPhone 17 Air's market entry, marking a significant shift in Apple's product design by eliminating the physical SIM card slot [4] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Analysts suggest that if Apple's eSIM-only strategy succeeds in China, it could lead to a broader adoption of eSIM technology across the Android ecosystem by 2026 [4] - The shift to eSIM is expected to simplify device design and improve water resistance, showcasing Apple's innovation in response to market trends [4]

来源：环球网 据北京电信官方介绍，为给用户提供便捷、顺畅的办理体验，营业厅工作人员将全程协助用户办理 eSIM功能开通手续，用户在现场即可完成办理并启用该服务。考虑到部分用户后续可能存在终端更换 需求，北京电信特别推出配套服务：用户启用eSIM后，若需更换为非eSIM终端，可向北京电信申请恢 复实体SIM卡服务，充分保障用户使用灵活性。目前，北京电信所有线下营业厅均已开放eSIM办理渠 道，暂不支持线上办理，有需求的用户可前往就近线下营业厅办理。 【环球网科技综合报道】9月11日消息，北京电信近日通过官方小红书账号发布重要信息，宣布已具备 eSIM开通能力，将于9月19日苹果iPhone Air正式开售时，同步上线eSIM服务体验。此次推出的eSIM服 务，套餐资费与相关权益保持不变，确保用户在享受新服务的同时，权益不受影响。 针对iPhone Air是否支持中国电信eSIM服务这一用户关切问题，中国电信此前回应媒体询问时表示，中 国电信eSIM手机业务已完成全面准备工作，预计在近期获得工业和信息化部商用试验正式批复后，将 迅速向用户开放eSIM手机业务办理服务，服务范围将涵盖iPhone 17等机型，具体开 ...

Core Viewpoint - The era of "SIM card-free" mobile phones is approaching, with Huawei set to launch a new foldable smartphone supporting eSIM technology, potentially becoming the first commercially available eSIM smartphone in China [1][8]. Group 1: eSIM Technology Overview - eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to mobile devices, offering the same functionality as traditional SIM cards [3]. - The integration of eSIM technology allows manufacturers to save space in devices, enabling smaller and lighter designs, as eSIM occupies only one-third of the space of a Nano SIM card [3][4]. - Users will find it easier to switch carriers without needing to visit physical stores, enhancing convenience [2][3]. Group 2: Carrier Actions and Support - China Unicom has already launched eSIM services, while China Mobile is preparing to gradually reopen eSIM services after a temporary suspension [6][8]. - China Telecom is lagging in eSIM service rollout, citing incomplete upgrades and dependencies on traditional SIM card authentication for its satellite communication services [6][8]. - The three major carriers are expected to fully reopen eSIM services in the second half of 2023, following improvements in switching rules and security measures [6][7]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Huawei is likely to launch its eSIM-enabled foldable smartphone in September, aiming to capture the domestic market ahead of Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which will also support eSIM [8][9]. - The competition in the smartphone market is intensifying, with Huawei holding a significant market share of 19.4% in Q1 2025, while Apple has seen a decline [9][11]. - The push for eSIM technology is becoming a key feature for major smartphone manufacturers, indicating a rapid adoption trend in the industry [12].

Core Viewpoint - The era of "SIM card-free" mobile phones is approaching, with Huawei set to launch a new foldable smartphone supporting eSIM technology, potentially becoming the first commercially available eSIM smartphone in China [3][4][13]. Group 1: eSIM Technology Overview - eSIM is an electronic SIM card that can be downloaded to mobile devices, providing the same functionality as traditional SIM cards [7]. - The integration of eSIM technology allows manufacturers to save space in devices, making them smaller and lighter, as eSIM occupies only one-third of the space of a Nano SIM card [7]. - Users will find it easier to switch carriers without needing to visit physical stores, enhancing convenience [4][7]. Group 2: Operators' Actions - China Unicom has already launched eSIM services, while China Mobile plans to gradually reopen eSIM services after a temporary suspension [9][11]. - China Telecom is lagging in eSIM service rollout, citing ongoing upgrades and limitations due to its satellite communication business [11]. - The recent shift in operators' attitudes towards eSIM is attributed to clearer switching rules and improvements in security measures [12][11]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Huawei is expected to compete with Apple in the eSIM market, with the potential launch of its foldable smartphone in September [13][17]. - Apple has already moved towards eSIM-only devices, with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air expected to eliminate the physical SIM card slot entirely [13]. - According to CounterPoint Research, Huawei holds a significant market share in China, with 19.4% in Q1 2025, while Apple has seen a decline [13].