iPhone 17 Air Drops Physical SIM, Embraces eSIM with China Unicom's Backing
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will feature an ultra-thin 5.5 mm design and no physical SIM card slot, marking a significant shift towards eSIM technology. This move aligns with China Unicom's 5G AI Terminal White Paper, which mandates eSIM smartphones to have a preloaded domestic certificate for seamless 5G services.
Operators are currently testing the eSIM feature on the iPhone 17 Air. Notably, China Unicom, the network operator that enabled eSIM support for the current iPhone 17 series, has played a crucial role in this development. The iPhone 17 Air, being eSIM-only, relies heavily on China Unicom's support for eSIM functionality. This collaboration ensures a smooth transition to eSIM technology for users in China.
The iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin design and eSIM-only feature reflect Apple's commitment to innovative technology. With China Unicom's support, users can expect a seamless transition to eSIM, paving the way for enhanced 5G services and a more streamlined user experience.