Apple said that because of regulatory concerns about its eSIM architecture, the company has delayed the release of its new iPhone Air model in China.
Prior to selling a new device with an eSIM, wireless carriers in China must obtain a specific license from the government, which they have not yet obtained, according to Apple. Additionally, the business stated that it is working to expedite the device’s availability in China.
The iPhone Air was shown by Apple on Tuesday during its annual event. It is the first significant redesign of the iPhone since the release of the iPhone X in 2017. It is 5.6 millimeters thick. Instead of using a conventional SIM card, the iPhone Air has an eSIM embedded right into the handset.
The device’s “great” battery life is due to the eSIM, CEO Tim Cook told CNBC’s Jim Cramer on Friday.
“Because it’s eSIM only, we were able to extend the battery to areas that had the physical cell previously,” Cook explained.
Before going on sale on September 19, the business had earlier stated that the iPhone Air would be available for preorder in the area on Friday at 2 a.m. EST.
“Release information will be updated later,” read the iPhone Air product page on Apple’s China website as of Friday morning.
The website states that, “with specific timing subject to regulatory approval,” China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom will provide eSIM functionality for the iPhone Air.
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