On September 10, Apple hosted its autumn product launch event under the theme 'Awe Dropping'. The iPhone Air stole the spotlight, marking its debut as Apple's thinnest and lightest iPhone to date, complete with a dual eSIM card design.

According to Apple's official Chinese website, the iPhone Air can only be activated through eSIM technology. The device measures a mere 5.6 millimeters in thickness and weighs just 165 grams. Apple executives also highlighted at the launch event that the space traditionally reserved for SIM cards in eSIM models will be utilized for larger batteries, enhancing battery life. Apple's official description states that the iPhone Air can support up to 27 hours of video playback and up to 22 hours of online video streaming.

eSIM, or Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, represents a cutting-edge SIM card standard developed by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). It integrates the functions of traditional SIM cards directly into device chips in an electronic format, eliminating the need for physical card slots. Users can easily switch and manage operator networks through remote configuration.

Compared to the Nano SIMs commonly used in China today, eSIMs are even smaller. They have evolved from card form to compact chips with SON-8 packaging, which are seamlessly embedded into the circuit boards of mobile phones and other terminal devices.

Moreover, eSIMs are programmable. Leveraging OTA (Over-The-Air) technology, users can remotely configure eSIMs to download, install, activate, deactivate, and delete operator profiles. This means users can activate SIM cards, choose plans, and change numbers without the need to visit a physical store, offering unparalleled convenience.

Public information reveals that Apple began incorporating the 'physical SIM + eSIM' solution in the iPhone XS in 2018 and fully embraced eSIM solutions in the iPhone 14 series in the United States starting in 2022.

Additionally, in its press release, Apple specifically noted that 'eSIM is supported by over 500 operators worldwide, including China Unicom.'

This also suggests that China Unicom will capitalize on Apple's iPhone Air to introduce eSIM card services. Relevant sources indicate that eSIM card services are already commercially available for products like smartwatches and tablets. Regarding mobile phone eSIM services, the company has announced that it will initiate commercial trials when the conditions are right.

Not only China Unicom, but China Telecom and China Mobile are also anticipated to roll out eSIM services soon. Relevant sources from China Telecom have stated that the company's eSIM mobile phone services are fully prepared, with relevant procedures submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It is expected that, upon receiving formal approval for commercial trials from the ministry in the near future, eSIM mobile phone services, including those for the iPhone 17, will be made available to users shortly. Stay tuned for the specific launch date.

Here, Stock Star has compiled a list of some eSIM concept stocks for your reference. Please note that these stocks are provided solely for investors' information and do not constitute any investment advice.

1. China Unicom: As a key advocate of eSIM policies in China, the company boasts a vast user base and a well-established communication network. It resumed eSIM services in 25 provinces and municipalities in 2025.

2. Unisoc: A leader in China's eSIM chip sector, with a market share exceeding 60%, and maintains close collaboration with the three major operators as well as terminal manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi.

3. New Henghui: The company's primary businesses encompass smart card services, etched lead frame services, and IoT eSIM chip packaging and testing services. It is the sole packaging and testing enterprise in China that masters the core technology of flexible lead frames and provides eSIM packaging and testing services for companies like Unisoc.

4. Chutian Dragon: The company pioneered the 'stablecoin + eSIM' cross-border payment solution, which has received certification from six major international card organizations, including UnionPay and VISA.

5. Fibocom: In collaboration with China Unicom, the company launched the world's first 5G + eSIM module, which has been certified by major global operators.

6. Thinkit: As one of the few domestic companies capable of providing eSIM full lifecycle management platforms for the three major operators, covering the entire process of card writing and key management. It holds patents for optimizing eSIM card download speeds and its technology is compatible with global mobile terminals.

7. MeiG Smart: The company's 5G + eSIM modules have achieved mass production and can be adapted for use in wearable devices and the Internet of Vehicles.