China Unicom’s Pivotal Role in China’s eSIM Rollout

China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd., a diversified telecommunications provider listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has positioned itself at the forefront of China’s transition to a “SIM‑free” mobile ecosystem. The company’s recent approval by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to conduct commercial trials of eSIM services marks a significant milestone for both the operator and the broader Chinese market.

Regulatory Backdrop

On 13 October 2025, the MIIT granted commercial‑trial approval to the three largest Chinese carriers: China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. The decision cleared the operators to enable eSIM functionality on smartphones, a development that aligns with the ministry’s broader digital‑infrastructure strategy. The approvals were announced by multiple news outlets, including SCMP, Benzinga, and Xueqiu, all confirming that the regulatory green light was effective immediately.

China Unicom, which had previously supported eSIM technology but faced delays in launching the service, now opened nationwide appointments on 13 October. In a press release cited by technode.com, the operator reported that more than 70,000 users had already scheduled appointments for eSIM activation, indicating strong demand and a smooth onboarding process.

Impact on Consumer Experience

The eSIM rollout directly benefits consumers by simplifying the process of switching carriers and unlocking new devices. Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone Air, will be the first device to receive eSIM support on the mainland. Apple’s own website has been updated to reflect that China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom will provide eSIM services for the iPhone Air, contingent on final regulatory approvals. This collaboration is expected to accelerate pre‑orders for the device, as reported by Benzinga and Economictimes.

Moreover, eSIM technology eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental waste. The transition also enables more flexible data plans, allowing users to switch carriers or add services without visiting a physical store—a convenience that is expected to drive higher customer satisfaction and retention for China Unicom and its peers.

Strategic Positioning for China Unicom

China Unicom’s early adoption of eSIM services positions it favorably against competitors. By securing commercial‑trial approval earlier than its rivals—its first approval reportedly came in early September, ahead of China Mobile and China Telecom—Unicom has gained a first‑mover advantage in a market that is increasingly prioritizing digital connectivity.

From a financial perspective, the company’s market cap of HKD 251 billion and a price‑earnings ratio of 11.435 suggest that investors view Unicom’s trajectory positively. The recent surge in eSIM adoption is likely to be reflected in the company’s revenue streams, particularly in the high‑margin data services segment. Given that Unicom offers a broad range of telecommunications services—including cellular, paging, long‑distance, data, and internet—eSIM integration enhances its product portfolio and deepens its customer base.

Broader Industry Context

The eSIM rollout coincides with a period of intense activity in China’s technology sector. On 13 October, OpenAI and Broadcom announced a joint venture to develop 10 GW‑scale custom AI chips, illustrating the country’s growing ambition in high‑performance computing. While these developments are distinct from telecom services, they underscore a broader ecosystem of digital innovation that China Unicom is a part of. By facilitating seamless connectivity through eSIM, the operator helps to underpin the infrastructure that will host next‑generation AI and data services.

Conclusion

China Unicom’s successful launch of eSIM services on 13 October 2025 represents more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic leap toward a fully integrated, digital‑first telecommunications landscape in China. The operator’s ability to secure regulatory approvals ahead of competitors, coupled with its extensive service offerings, positions it as a key player in the country’s ongoing digital transformation. As consumers adopt the new eSIM‑enabled iPhone Air and other devices, China Unicom is poised to capture increased market share and reinforce its role as a leading telecommunications provider in the region.