Apple iPhone Air’s China launch delayed

Apple has postponed the launch of its new iPhone Air mannequin in China attributable to regulatory points surrounding its eSIM design, the corporate stated.

Wireless carriers in China want a particular license from the federal government earlier than they will promote a brand new machine with an eSIM, and the carriers have not secured that approval but, Apple stated. The firm added that it’s working to make the machine accessible in China as quickly as attainable.

Apple introduced the iPhone Air at its annual occasion on Tuesday. The machine, which is 5.6 millimeters thick, marks the primary main new iPhone design because the iPhone X was launched in 2017. The iPhone Air does not assist a bodily SIM card, and as a substitute options an eSIM constructed into the machine.

CEO Tim Cook advised CNBC’s Jim Cramer on Friday that the eSIM is what permits the machine to nonetheless have “great” battery life.

“It’s eSIM only, and so we were able to take the battery and extend the battery to areas that previously had the physical cell,” Cook stated.

The firm previously said the iPhone Air would grow to be accessible for preorder within the area on Friday at 2 a.m. EST earlier than it goes on sale Sept. 19.

As of Friday morning, the iPhone Air product web page on Apple’s China web site acknowledged, “Release information will be updated later.”

The web site notes that China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom will provide eSIM assist for the iPhone Air, “with specific timing subject to regulatory approval.”

— CNBC’s Steve Kovach contributed to this report.