The iPhone Air is currently available globally as an eSIM-only device. However, a recent report from China highlights a modified version of the Air equipped with a physical SIM slot located next to the USB-C port. This modification was reportedly carried out by an electronics store in Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei market.
To create space for the SIM slot, the project involved innovative modifications, such as replacing the original Taptic Engine vibration motor with a smaller unit that still provides basic haptic feedback. This adjustment enabled the team to install a SIM card reader alongside the newly introduced physical SIM slot.
One of the images reveals the modified phone operational with a China Telecom SIM card, and another image shows it making a call. Reports indicate that the device can effectively access 5G mobile data while still maintaining its IP68 ingress protection rating.
