iPhone Air Sells Out Within Minutes During China Launch

Apple Inc. launched the iPhone Air in China on October 17, 2025, where the device sold out within minutes of pre-orders opening. The ultra-thin model, measuring 5.1mm and priced at approximately CNY 5,999, saw immediate stock exhaustion at physical stores in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin, as well as across online platforms. Online shipments subsequently faced delays of one to two weeks.

The release occurred more than a month after global launches due to the need for regulatory approval of the device's eSIM-only connectivity. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology eventually authorized eSIM trials for smartphones, allowing local carriers such as China Mobile Ltd. to implement necessary support. While the iPhone Air lacks a physical SIM slot to accommodate a larger battery, Apple continued physical SIM support for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max in the Chinese market.

The launch followed a strategic visit to China by CEO Tim Cook, who met with Vice-Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to discuss trade ties and reaffirm investments in research and development, including a new applied research lab in Shenzhen. Cook also visited an Apple store in Shanghai and announced a donation to Tsinghua University. This surge in demand comes as Apple seeks to reverse an 8% year-over-year revenue decline in Greater China and combat stiff competition from local brands like Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi.