Following a brief delay, Apple’s iPhone Air is finally set to launch in China, with pre-orders beginning on Friday, October 17. Deliveries of the sleek new device are expected to start about a week later, as announced by Apple CEO Tim Cook in a Weibo post today.
China represents a vital market for Apple, so the absence of the iPhone Air during last month’s initial launch sparked curiosity. It soon became clear that the delay was tied to the iPhone Air’s use of eSIM technology instead of a physical SIM card, which led to regulatory hurdles with Chinese authorities. Despite this, all three of China’s major telecom operators confirmed the iPhone Air’s imminent arrival, leaving no doubt that the launch was only a matter of time.
This news is a positive development for both Chinese consumers and Apple itself. To highlight its importance, China accounted for nearly 15% of Apple’s global revenue during last year’s holiday quarter, underscoring the country’s strategic significance to the company’s business.
The iPhone Air: An engineering marvel
Although there have been some reports suggesting modest sales for the iPhone Air, the truth is that Apple does not disclose sales figures by model, making it difficult to gauge its market performance. Any clarity on this front will likely come from Apple’s forthcoming earnings conference call, should the company choose to share such details.
What is undisputed, however, is the remarkable engineering behind the iPhone Air. Weighing just 165 grams and measuring a mere 5.6mm in thickness, it is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. Despite its slim profile, the device feels substantial and comfortable to hold. Apple achieved this balance by employing innovative design choices, such as integrating a 3D-printed titanium USB-C port that consumes 33% less material than traditional forging methods.
Moreover, the iPhone Air is highly durable. Unlike the iPhone 6, which famously bent under pressure, the iPhone Air resists bending and can withstand nearly 215 pounds of force—an impressive feat for Apple’s thinnest smartphone to date.
