While Android users have been enjoying 5G on their compatible devices for quite some time now, Apple , later joined the party when it brought 5G support to models such as iPhone SE 2022, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and of course, to the new iPhone 15,
iPhone users residing in a 5G-enabled city can finally get their hands on the benefits of 5G connection, as long as they have the function enabled. If you are wondering how to do that, don't worry, because in this article, I will guide you through the step-by-step procedure on how to use 5G on your iPhone.
If you're thinking about buying a new iPhone and want to make sure you can take advantage of all the great features that 5G has to offer, then it's essential to make sure you get the right iPhone model. Fortunately, that's not difficult to do. However, It can still be confusing to know which models support "real" 5G and which ones are not, especially if you are a traveling user, as it varies depending on the country.
Regional differences
As long as you buy your iPhone from an Apple Store or other legitimate retailer in your home country, you can rest assured that it supports the necessary 5G networks.
The short answer to this dilemma is that all iPhones released since fall 2020 support 5G. This includes the entire iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15, in addition to the third-generation iPhone SE that arrived in early 2022. It is almost certain that from now on, we will never see a new iPhone that does not be compatible with 5G.
Things can be a little complicated if you buy an iPhone in one country to use in another. You will need to make sure that the iPhone you are purchasing is fully compatible with the carrier chosen in the country you are going to use it.
You may be surprised to discover that Apple makes 20 different variants of the iPhone 14 for example, to cover all the different 5G frequencies used around the world. That's five different models for each of the iPhone 14 versions.
The iPhone 13 line had 21 different variants, with five each for the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, and six for the iPhone 13 Mini. However, Apple also added a fifth column last year, with a new version of each iPhone 13 model to ensure compatibility with 5G services in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, to give you an idea of what complex it can be.
Asian models
The other global variations are one specific to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, the iPhone 14 variant and the aforementioned iPhone 13 for some Eastern European countries, and a “global” version that covers 5G services offered in the rest of the world.
The Chinese models of the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini are split into two, with one version for mainland China and the other for Hong Kong and Macau. Another significant difference is that all iPhones sold in mainland China feature two physical SIM card slots instead of one eSIM. Except for the iPhone Mini and iPhone SE, this also applies to those sold in Hong Kong and Macau.
mmWave support
Although a European iPhone 14 supports most of the same 5G frequencies used in the US, for example, it is missing a couple of key bands. Only North American iPhone models support the 600 Mhz frequencies used by T-Mobile in more sparsely populated areas. For the curious, Apple offers a useful list of 5G and LTE frequencies compatible for each iPhone model sold in each country.
In short, don't buy an iPhone from another country unless you're sure you know what you're doing. If you're immigrating to a country where different iPhone models are sold, be prepared to replace your iPhone if you want the best possible 5G coverage in your new home. Finally, stick with the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and other flagship models if you want the fastest possible 5G speeds in densely populated areas, as the budget iPhone SE doesn't offer mmWave support.
How to activate 5G on iPhones
To get the 5G setup, I show you an easy step-by-step guide on how you can activate it on your iPhone, it's very simple:
First go to the app «Settings» on your iPhone
From here, go to the settings menu "Mobile data"
Now select "Options"
In settings "Voice and data", select the option "5G Auto" or "5G On" (depends on the model)
Once the iPhone captures 5G signals, you should see a "5G" symbol in the status bar within the next few minutes
5G compatible iPhones
Here is a list of iPhones that are compatible with 5G networks:
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max
And finally the iPhone SE 2022
Why am I not receiving the 5G signal?
If you are not receiving 5G signals despite being in a city where such a network is implemented, it is possible that your telecommunications operator has not yet implemented 5G services in your area or location. Try to move to other areas where you surely have that 5G network.
Can I add 5G to an older iPhone model?
Cellular technologies are driven by hardware, specifically things like modem chips and antennas. This means that a smartphone cannot support 5G unless it was designed for this from the ground up.
The iPhone 12 was late to the game, more than a year after the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G appeared on the scene in early 2019. In early 2020, 5G became the norm on Samsung's flagship smartphones. Apple didn't get into the 5G game until that September.
Since Apple uses Qualcomm's 5G modem chips (for now), it has also been hampered by the timing of its iPhone release each year., since Qualcomm shows its new 5G chips around the time of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in March, which does not leave enough time for Apple to put them in its new iPhones that it usually presents in September.
