China’s First eSIM-Only Smartphone—Apple iPhone Air Confirmed to Support China Unicom eSIM

A report by IT Home reveals that Apple has updated its mainland China website with comprehensive specifications for its latest releases. The iPhone Air will activate exclusively via eSIM and does not accommodate a physical SIM card. Users wishing to employ eSIM must select a carrier that offers eSIM services and subscribe to a compatible mobile plan, as not every operator supports this technology.

When traveling outside mainland China, iPhone Air owners can also activate a travel eSIM, provided their device model A3518 has location services enabled. eSIM profiles issued by carriers outside mainland China cannot be installed within the mainland region, underscoring the localized nature of eSIM provisioning.

According to IT Home, China Unicom is currently the sole mainland China carrier offering eSIM support for the iPhone Air model A3518. To complete activation, customers must visit a China Unicom retail outlet, present valid identification, and fulfil any additional requirements stipulated by the carrier.