The Most Comprehensive eSIM Activation Guide for Mainland China iPhone Air Users

iPhone Air China Launch: Everything You Need to Know About eSIM Policies

Just when many thought the iPhone Air would fade into obscurity among October’s new device releases, it unexpectedly reappeared — fresh, and surprising.

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Key Launch Dates

On October 13, we learned:

• Pre-orders start: Friday, October 17
• Official sale begins: Wednesday, October 22

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed this live during an Apple Store Douyin stream:

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Significance of iPhone Air in China

• First pure eSIM phone officially sold in mainland China.
• Marks the start of eSIM adoption in China.
• Likely to accelerate domestic brand and carrier support.

But beyond the hardware, users are most concerned about the transition from physical SIM to eSIM — questions echoed by our readers and editors alike.

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Carrier Policy Overview

We spoke with staff from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom to clarify eSIM policies as of October 14, 2025.

(Policies may change before or after the official launch — we’ll update accordingly.)

In-Person Activation Required

For all three major carriers:

• You must visit a designated service center in person with your ID.
• Staff will write the eSIM profile to your device.
• This follows ID–Device–Person Verification procedures.

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Accepted ID Documents

China Unicom — Broadest scope:

• Mainland residents: ID card, household register, passport.
• HK/Macau/Taiwan residents: Exit-Entry Permit, Residence Permit.
• Foreigners: Residence Permit, Permanent Residence ID.

China Mobile & China Telecom — More limited:

• Mainland residents: ID card only.
• HK/Macau/Taiwan: Residence Permit only (Exit-Entry Permit not accepted).
• Foreign Permanent Residence ID.

Sample: Taiwan Resident Residence Permit

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Number Limits

Opening a new number with iPhone Air must comply with existing ministry rules:

• One ID–Five Lines: Max 5 active numbers per carrier.
• One ID–Ten Lines: Max 10 active numbers across carriers.

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1. Converting Your Existing SIM to eSIM

• Yes, it’s possible — all carriers support conversion in person.
• Process & required documents are the same as opening a new eSIM.
• Physical SIM will be deactivated upon conversion.
• Linked services (e.g., Apple Watch One Number) will likely remain.

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2. eSIM Slot Limitations

• China mainland iPhone Air: Max 2 eSIM profiles active at once.
• Overseas models: Store up to 8 eSIMs.
• China model supports all-network (A3518) — different carriers in each slot.
• Dual SIM capability: DSDS only (Dual SIM Dual Standby), not DSDA.

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3. Adding Foreign eSIMs

• Geo-fencing: Cannot add foreign eSIMs while in mainland China.
• Can add foreign eSIMs outside China — functions as normal for local data SIM abroad.
• Likely scenario: 2 domestic eSIMs + 6 foreign eSIMs = total 8.
• Foreign eSIMs added abroad should still work in China if they support international roaming.

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4. Overseas iPhone Models Adding China eSIMs

• Not possible — due to missing trust certificate required for mainland activation.
• Applies to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan iPhones as well, despite eSIM support.
• No current policy to resolve this for visiting residents.

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5. Restrictions After Switching to eSIM

• Monthly limits per device:
• Max 2 new numbers per month.
• Max 5 card replacements per month.
• Replacing an eSIM often requires multiple carrier visits.
• Migrating eSIM to a new phone requires in-person reactivation.
• Factory reset options:
• “Erase SIM and Reset” — eSIM removed.
• “Keep SIM and Reset” — eSIM retained (likely no branch visit needed).

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Service Cancellation

• Deleting an eSIM profile ≠ cancelling your plan.
• Cancellation still requires offline branch visit.

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Is iPhone Air Worth Buying?

While the iPhone 17 Standard Edition offers more value at the same price, iPhone Air’s design and eSIM significance make it special.

Price: RMB 7,999 for 256GB — not mass market, especially given service limitations.

For those less focused on specs and more on cutting-edge Apple design, iPhone Air offers strong emotional appeal and paves the way for eSIM adoption in China.

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