Apple may launch its foldable iPhone Ultra in some markets, particularly China, later than planned. According to Instant Digital, known for its posts on Weibo, the launch in China may not take place on the same date as in other countries. The delay is reportedly linked to the eSIM issues previously experienced with iPhone Air and the device’s limited initial production. The model, which is said to have no physical SIM slot, will be only the second eSIM-supported iPhone in China. Sales of iPhone Air had been delayed because of regulatory and carrier requirements. Activating the eSIM, transferring a subscription and moving the eSIM profile when switching devices remain challenging. Due to carrier infrastructure and local regulations, Ultra is expected to reach China after other markets. Apple began removing the physical SIM slot in the United States and offered the iPhone 15 series with eSIM only.
Why it matters
The potential divergence in the timeline for China shows that the new model’s global sales plans may not be implemented under the same conditions in every market. The absence of a physical SIM slot means users must not only acquire the device but also activate it, transfer their subscription and move their eSIM profile when switching devices without issues. The matter therefore concerns not only consumers directly but also carriers’ eSIM infrastructure and compliance with local regulations. The fact that similar problems have occurred before leaves unclear not only the sales date in China but also the impact of limited initial production on distribution; the open question is how these technical and regulatory conditions will be addressed before launch.
Background
Ultra is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 12 news reports mentioning this name in the last 90 days; the most recent was dated September 8, 2026.
Term: delay
Delay is the time between sending a request and receiving a response; it is directly noticeable in gaming and live streaming.