China Unicom announced on September 13 that it now supports eSIM activation for all mobile phones with network access certification, regardless of brand or model. The carrier's "supported devices" list will be updated in sync with new phone launches, according to IThome (IThome).
New devices and promotional campaign
The expanded list includes recent releases from Apple, Huawei, OPPO, and Samsung. Among them are the iPhone Air (model A3518), iPhone 17e (A3635), iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, as well as Huawei's Mate 80 RS Ultimate Design, Pura 90 Pro Max, Pura X Max, and Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design. OPPO's Find X9 Pro satellite communication edition and Find X9 Ultra eSIM satellite communication edition are also supported, along with several Samsung Galaxy S26 and Z Fold/Flip models.
To promote adoption, China Unicom has launched a "trial season" campaign for new Huawei and Apple phones released this month. Customers who sign up for eSIM service can enjoy free benefits including domestic data, international roaming, and international data packages.
One phone, four numbers
China Unicom says its more than 20,000 self-owned stores across the country are now equipped to handle eSIM activation, with dedicated counters for the service. The company plans to continue expanding the list of compatible eSIM devices and simplify the activation process.
The carrier describes the move as marking the arrival of the "one phone, four numbers" era, and expects eSIM smartphones to exceed 20 million units in the second half of this year. China Unicom also said it will streamline its tariff offerings, reducing the number of available plans.
