Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone Air becomes available for pre-order in China on Oct. 17, a development that is expected to boost the technology giant’s sales, say analysts.
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The iPhone Air is becoming available in China after major Chinese telecom operators received regulatory approvals for eSIM services, according to Apple. The iPhone Air, which will retail starting at 7,999 yuan (US$1,121.50) in China, is the only model of the popular smartphone to receive approval to operate on an embedded digital SIM (eSIM).
The iPhone Air is one of Apple’s newest smartphones and notable for being the thinnest iPhone ever at 5.6 millimeters. The Air model features Apple’s powerful A19 Pro chip, a titanium design, pro-level performance for gaming and artificial intelligence (AI), and an advanced camera.
Strong Sales
China’s three major telecom companies have each received regulatory approval to provide trial eSIM services for the iPhone Air in China, enabling Apple to open up the device for Chinese pre-orders. The Air pre-order announcement comes weeks after the new iPhone 17 officially went on sale in China.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who is currently in Shanghai, shared the news on social media, writing: “Excited to announce iPhone Air will be available next week and pre-orders start this Friday, October 17!” Early indications are that the newest iPhones are selling well.
Is AAPL Stock a Buy?
The stock of Apple has a consensus Moderate Buy rating among 36 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 20 Buy, 13 Hold, and three Sell recommendations issued in the last three months. The average AAPL price target of $255.91 implies 2.80% upside from current levels.
