A few weeks later than expected, the iPhone Air is finally set to make its debut in China, with preorders for the ultra-thin device opening on October 17.

According to a report from the South China Morning Post, the iPhone Air “sold out within minutes of its launch in China” earlier today. The report explains that “minutes after” pre-orders began on Friday morning, the iPhone Air was sold out “at all bricks-and-mortar stores in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in cities like Tianjin.”

The launch of the iPhone Air as the first eSIM-supported smartphone sold in China marks a pivotal moment in the country’s telecoms history, as state-owned mobile carriers vie for dominance in a changing landscape.

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is outselling its predecessor in the US and China, early data shows. These are the most popular models.