Apple postpones release of iPhone Air in China

Apple delayed the launch of its new iPhone Air model in mainland China, citing regulatory approval issues.

When pre-orders for the new models began on Friday, the company's China website would not let customers in the region order the new, thinner device.

Instead, a message reads: "Release information will be updated later. All models will be released after approval."


The iPhone maker previously said that the new product would become available in the region September 12 for pre-order and on September 19 for general availability, matching the US and other major markets.

A launch in China is far more complex for the iPhone Air than it is elsewhere.

Unlike the US, China is mostly reliant on physical SIM cards and hasn't widely adopted eSIM technology, which the iPhone Air uses because of its thinner frame.

Apple's other new iPhones were launched as planned in the region.