New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- The launch of Apple's iPhone Air went in China on Wednesday received a subdued consumer response in the world's biggest smartphone arena, standing on contrast to the long queues observed during its International debut a month earlier.

Chinese consumers had to wait longer for the 7,999 yuan iPhone Air as it only connects to networks via eSIM, something that local carriers have been slow to adopt. It drew curiosity but no big crowds, Bloomberg reported.

At Beijing's Sanlitun store, more customers were coming in to pick up iPhone 17 Pro models, with the iPhone Air initially available to order and receive on the same day. Over in Shanghai, there was no queue for the iPhone Air and people could purchase one immediately,...