Why does China avoid eSIM devices?

In 2026, the global telecommunications landscape has hit a tipping point. While the world embraces a “digital-first” SIM experience, Mainland China remains a unique outlier. Despite the launch of ultra-thin devices like the iPhone 17 Air, physical SIM cards still dominate. For frequent travelers and business professionals, understanding this intersection of regulation and technology is key to staying connected.

Political & Regulatory Dimensions: The “Real-Name” Fortress

The primary reason for China’s hesitation toward eSIM is not a lack of technology but the rigor of its Real-Name Registration System.

The Challenge of Identity Verification

In China, a phone number is the “master key” to a person’s digital life, linked to banking and social media. To combat fraud, the government mandates face-to-face verification. The “remote provisioning” nature of eSIM—allowing users to activate a plan via a QR code—is perceived as a potential loophole in this strict security chain.

Data Sovereignty and Governance

By 2026, data sovereignty has become a top priority. eSIM technology makes it easier for international roaming profiles to be embedded, potentially bypassing local gateways. To maintain digital integrity, Chinese regulators require localized eSIM standards to ensure all traffic remains under domestic jurisdiction.

Technical Barriers and Market Interests

While China has the world’s largest IoT and wearable eSIM market, the transition to smartphones involves complex interests.

Proprietary Security Standards

China requires hardware to support domestic encryption algorithms. Adapting global standards like GSMA SGP.32 to meet these “National Standards” (Guobiao) has caused years of friction between manufacturers and regulators. Furthermore, the “Big Three” carriers (China Mobile, Unicom, and Telecom) have backend systems optimized for physical cards, making a full eSIM migration a massive capital risk.

Protecting the Ecosystem

A physical SIM card acts as a customer anchor. eSIM makes “carrier switching” as easy as a click, which carriers fear will trigger price wars. By keeping SIMs physical, carriers maintain a direct touchpoint and prevent device manufacturers from controlling the entire subscription experience.

2026 Market Outlook: The Hybrid Approach

The landscape is shifting with “Chinese characteristics.” In late 2025 and 2026, we see:

• Forced Innovation: The thinness of the iPhone 17 Air forced regulators to allow eSIM trials for specific models.
• The Dual-Track System: Flagships like the Huawei Mate 70 or Xiaomi 16 now often feature one physical slot and one optional eSIM to satisfy both regulation and tech trends.

Solving the Connectivity Gap for Global Travelers

For those traveling abroad for leisure or business, navigating these technical differences can be a headache. Whether you are using a global device or a local hybrid model, securing reliable, high-speed data shouldn’t be complicated.

This is where Volarsky provides the ultimate solution. As a specialized provider for international travelers, Volarsky offers eSIM profiles tailored to the specific attributes of each country’s network.

Instead of dealing with the limitations of physical roaming cards, travelers can rely on Volarsky for seamless connectivity. Volarsky eSIM solutions bridge the gap between your device and the world’s best networks, ensuring that whether you’re on a business trip to London or a vacation in Tokyo, your digital life remains uninterrupted. With Volarsky, the future of travel is truly cardless and boundless.