China is preparing to launch smartphone eSIM support. The move comes after Apple unveiled its new iPhone 17 Air. This model is the first to require an embedded SIM card.
Major Chinese carriers are now working with regulators. They aim to get final approval for the new technology. This marks a major shift in the country’s telecom policy.
Why China Resisted eSIM Adoption for So Long
China has historically restricted eSIM use to watches and tablets. Smartphones were not included in earlier approvals. Security concerns were the primary reason.
Authorities manage a vast internet firewall. According to Reuters, foreign eSIMs could potentially bypass these controls. This posed a significant security challenge for regulators.
The national payment system also relied on phone numbers. WeChat Pay and Alipay require verified numbers for transactions. New eSIMs without strict oversight raised fraud concerns.
Apple’s New iPhone Forces a Policy Change
The iPhone 17 Air does not have a physical SIM tray. This forced Chinese carriers to adapt quickly. They risked losing sales of Apple’s latest device.
According to SCMP, China Unicom has already started a pilot program. China Mobile and China Telecom are also preparing for launch. All await final regulatory sign-off.
This represents a major victory for Apple. The company is deeply integrated into China’s consumer market. Its influence has helped push through a key technological update.
Info at your fingertips
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in a device. It allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical nano-SIM. It is becoming the new standard for modern smartphones.
Will eSIMs work for foreign travelers in China?
It remains unclear if foreign eSIMs will be supported. Current indications suggest the system may be limited to domestic carriers. This would maintain existing internet firewall protocols.
Which Chinese carriers will support eSIM?
China’s three major carriers are all participating. This includes China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Support is expected to roll out nationwide.
When will eSIM service become available?
No official launch date has been publicly confirmed. Reports suggest it could coincide with the iPhone 17 Air’s release. An announcement is expected soon.
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