Big Tech

Apple’s iPhone Air Receives Muted Reception in China Debut

An iPhone Air smartphone, second left, and iPhone 17 series smartphones on display at an Apple store in Shanghai on Oct. 22.Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

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By Bloomberg News

October 22, 2025 at 4:25 AM UTC

Apple Inc.’s iPhone Air went on sale in China on Wednesday, eliciting a subdued consumer response in the world’s biggest smartphone arena.

The launch in mainland China comes a month after Apple’s latest iPhone lineup rolled out internationally, drawing lengthy lines at many stores. Chinese consumers had to wait longer for the 7,999 yuan ($1,120) iPhone Air as it only connects to networks via eSIM, something that local carriers have been slow to adopt. It drew curiosity but no big crowds.