Apple's launch of the iPhone Air, a model that exclusively employs eSIM technology and does away with the traditional physical SIM card slot, has ignited a fervent debate over 'cardless' mobile connectivity, representing a significant stride towards fully digital connections. At present, China's three leading telecom carriers are equipped to support eSIM technology, yet they remain in a state of anticipation, awaiting further implementation instructions from regulatory bodies.

Analysts highlight that Apple's introduction of this eSIM-only model is more of a technological showcase. Given that domestic carriers have not yet fully extended their permissions, it is suggested that the product may initially cater only to a select segment of the market. In the meantime, domestic smartphone makers are ramping up their efforts to deploy eSIM technology, with the anticipated entry of major players expected to spur the implementation of relevant policies.

From a technological standpoint, eSIM has already seen widespread adoption in wearable devices. However, its progression in smartphones has been sluggish, primarily due to policy constraints. It is anticipated that a full-scale adoption of eSIM in smartphones will take another 2-3 years.