Core Points - The iPhone Air has officially launched in mainland China, marking the first phone in the region to support eSIM technology [1] - The eSIM service is currently supported by major carriers in mainland China, including China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile, while China Broadcasting Network does not support it [3][4] - The eSIM business is still in its early stages in mainland China, with ongoing improvements in processes and policies [19] Carrier Support - China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile support eSIM services for the iPhone Air (model: A3518), while China Broadcasting Network does not [3] - Not all physical stores support eSIM services; only designated stores of China Unicom can process eSIM applications [3] - China Unicom previously announced a door-to-door eSIM service in Shenzhen, but the status of this service is currently unclear [3] Requirements for eSIM - The requirements for obtaining an eSIM are similar to those for traditional SIM cards, with a limit of 5 active cards per carrier and a total of 10 across all carriers in mainland China [4] - There are no restrictions on the type of plans available for eSIM services, allowing both new applications and transfers from existing cards [5] Application Process - The application process for eSIM is reported to be convenient, taking approximately 10 minutes for activation at a physical store [6] - eSIM services are available for both local and some cross-province applications, but there are limitations on cross-city and cross-province services depending on the carrier [8][9] Eligibility for Foreign Residents - Residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan can apply for eSIM services using specific travel documents, but cannot do so from different locations [11] - Foreigners can also apply for eSIM services using their passports or permanent residency documents, but China Telecom does not support this group [12] eSIM Management - Users can manage their eSIMs directly through their device settings, including deleting and switching eSIMs [15][16] - Deleting an eSIM does not cancel the number; users must visit a physical store to transfer or reactivate the eSIM [18] Conclusion - The launch of the iPhone Air signifies the beginning of the eSIM era in mainland China, with expectations for further development and improvements in eSIM services from various brands and products [19]

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]