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.”

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

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.