Chinese media says that the iPhone Air sold out almost immediately after preorders began in the country, perhaps making the model more popular there than in the US.
Apple’s new iPhone Air
Apple’s new iPhone Air
The iPhone Air launched in the States in September 2025, but Apple had to postpone releasing it in China following regulatory problems. It’s believed that the issue concerned how the iPhone Air is eSIM-only, while most Chinese phones still require a physical SIM.
Apple announced that the issues were resolved and that it would start preorders in China on Friday, October 17. Tim Cook visited the country to promote the iPhone Air on social media, and to meet with government officials.