China's Three Major Carriers Launch eSIM Services for Smartphones
Beijing, October 2025 — China's three largest telecommunications operators — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom — have officially launched eSIM services for smartphones, marking a major step toward the country's transition to a fully digital mobile ecosystem.
The rollout follows approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which authorized the commercial pilot phase of eSIM (embedded SIM) technology nationwide. The move is expected to enable broader compatibility with upcoming eSIM-only devices and promote flexibility for consumers and manufacturers alike.
What Is eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital alternative to the traditional physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a card into a phone, users can activate their mobile plan directly through software by downloading a carrier profile onto their device.
This technology allows users to switch carriers, manage multiple profiles, or activate service remotely without visiting a store or swapping cards. eSIM has already been widely adopted in regions such as Europe, the United States, and parts of Asia.
China's eSIM Rollout Details
Under the new approval, all three Chinese telecom operators are launching eSIM services across major cities in China as part of a commercial pilot program:
China Mobile will allow eSIM activation through its mobile app, enabling users to register and manage eSIM profiles digitally.
China Unicom has opened pre-registration for users nationwide, targeting an initial rollout to more than 70,000 customers.
China Telecom will provide eSIM activation through both online and physical service channels, including in-store verification for some steps.
The program is expected to expand gradually across all provinces, with each operator implementing its own service platform and technical standards under MIIT's regulatory framework.
Why the Launch Matters
China's adoption of eSIM comes at a pivotal time for the smartphone industry. Several new flagship devices, including Apple's upcoming iPhone Air, are designed without a physical SIM tray — relying solely on eSIM connectivity.
Until now, such devices could not officially launch in mainland China because eSIM services were unavailable. With this rollout, manufacturers can now release eSIM-only models in compliance with local regulations.
The development also aligns with China's push toward digital transformation in the telecom sector, emphasizing convenience, efficiency, and support for the growing number of connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.
Potential Benefits
The introduction of eSIM technology offers multiple advantages for both consumers and operators:
Simplified connectivity: Users can activate new plans or switch carriers without replacing a physical SIM card.
Space efficiency: Device makers can design thinner and more compact smartphones and wearables.
Multi-device use: One user can manage several devices — such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches — under a single subscription.
Reduced waste: Eliminating plastic SIM cards contributes to environmental sustainability.
For telecom operators, eSIM allows greater flexibility in service design, over-the-air provisioning, and remote identity management, which may streamline logistics and reduce operational costs.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its potential, the rollout of eSIM in China comes with certain challenges:
Real-name registration — All SIM services in China require verified identity registration. eSIM systems must ensure that digital activations comply with national regulations on user identification and cybersecurity.
Inter-carrier compatibility — Transitioning between networks may require technical standardization to avoid disruptions when switching carriers.
Limited international usage — At this stage, Chinese eSIM profiles cannot install or manage overseas eSIM plans while inside China, affecting frequent travelers.
User education — Many consumers are unfamiliar with eSIM management, and carriers will need to provide clear guidance on activation and troubleshooting.
Industry observers note that while the approval marks progress, widespread adoption will depend on consumer awareness, pricing models, and continued technical collaboration between carriers and smartphone makers.
Industry and Market Impact
The introduction of eSIM services is likely to have a significant impact on the Chinese smartphone market:
Apple can now officially launch its eSIM-only iPhone Air in China, with pre-orders beginning on October 17 and retail sales starting October 22, according to multiple reports.
Domestic manufacturers such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo are expected to expand eSIM support in their future flagship devices.
Analysts forecast that eSIM-enabled smartphone shipments in China could grow from around 17 million units in 2026 to more than 120 million by 2030, reflecting a steady transition away from physical SIM cards.
Global Context
Globally, eSIM adoption has been growing rapidly. In the United States and Europe, most flagship smartphones already include eSIM support, with several models — including newer iPhones — dropping the SIM card slot entirely.
China's late but decisive entry into the eSIM market positions it to catch up with global standards while maintaining local regulatory oversight and data security requirements.
Outlook
While the current rollout remains in its pilot phase, industry experts believe the approval signals the beginning of a gradual but irreversible shift toward eSIM adoption in China.
As infrastructure matures and more devices support the technology, users can expect smoother digital activations, enhanced portability, and greater freedom in choosing their mobile plans.
The introduction of eSIM represents not only a technological milestone but also a strategic advancement in China's ongoing effort to modernize its telecommunications landscape and align with global digital connectivity trends.
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