If you’re in the market for a new iPhone and want to make sure you can take advantage of All the amazing features 5G has to offer, then it’s essential to make sure you get the right iPhone model. Fortunately, that’s not hard to do. However, it can still be confusing to know which models support “real” 5G’ and which ones will be left behind, especially when roaming across international boundaries.
This is because every iPhone that has been released since 2020 supports at least one flavor of 5G. This includes all of the iPhone 12 iPhone 13And iPhone 14 families, plus The iPhone SE 3rd GenerationThat was in 2022. That last entry also makes it a safe bet that, from now on, we’ll never see a new iPhone that’s not 5G-capable.
However, the longer answer is that there are some things you should watch out for when you’re looking to get an iPhone that’s compatible with your preferred 5G service.
Regional differences
If you purchase your iPhone at an Apple Store, or any other authorized retailer in your country, you can be assured that it supports the required 5G frequencies. That’s even more of a sure thing if you get one directly from your carrier.
If you purchase an iPhone from one country to be used in another, things can get complicated. Whether you’re ordering a new iPhone abroad to save a few bucks, picking one up on vacation, or moving to a new country, you’ll need to ensure the iPhone you’re buying is fully compatible with your chosen carrier.
Surprised to find out that Apple has 20 versions of the iPod? iPhone 14 seriesTo cover all 5G frequencies around the globe. That’s five each for the iPhone 14iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro.
There were 21 variants of the iPhone 13 lineup, five for each model. iPhone 13, iPhone 13 ProAnd iPhone 13 Pro Max, and six each for the iPhone 13 Mini.
The iPhone 12The lineup included 17 variations. Apple also introduced a fifth column in the last year’s iPhone 13 lineup, which included a new version of each iPhone 13 model, to ensure compatibility for 5G services within Armenia, Belarus Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
The good news is that this isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Long gone are the days when Apple sold different iPhones for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Now, Apple sells only a single version of each iPhone in the U.S. that’s compatible with the 4G and 5G frequencies on all U.S. carriers.
A different version of the iPhone is available in North America. This includes Canada, Guam and Puerto Rico. The iPhone 13 lineup also sells this version.
The other worldwide variations are one specific to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, the aforementioned iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 variant for some Eastern European countries, and a “global” version that covers the 5G services offered in the rest of the world.
Chinese models The iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 MiniThey are split in two: one version is for mainland China, and the other for Hong Kong or Macao. An additional difference is that iPhones sold in mainland China have two SIM card slots, instead of one. eSIM. This is not applicable to the iPhone Mini and iPhone SE sold in Hong Kong or Macao.
This shouldn’t be a problem for most folks, but you could get yourself in trouble if you’re planning on engaging in a bit of cross-border shopping. For example, popping up from Seattle to Vancouver might score you a better deal on an iPhone 14 or iPhone 13, but you’ll likely be getting the Canadian model, which will only be partially compatible with the 5G service offered by U.S. carriers. This is true even if you are traveling to Guam or Puerto Rico and pick up your iPhone.
Support for mmWave
The most significant difference between North American iPhones is the support for very high-frequency. mmWave band. This is used widely by Verizon in major urban centers and by AT&T in congested areas like stadiums and airports. T-Mobile has also deployed it in a few densely populated areas, although it doesn’t talk about it nearly as much.
Although this may change, all mmWave-capable iPhone models sold exclusively in the U.S. Every iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 sold in America supports mmWave. mmWave is supported on no iPhones sold outside the U.S. Notably, U.S. models Support mmWave bands used only in other countries, so Apple could eventually sell them elsewhere; it’s simply chosen not to do so, at least for now.
This means that you can purchase an iPhone from T-Mobile, and then use it on your own. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and get full mmWave speeds (assuming you’re within a block or so of a mmWave transceiver). However, if you pick up an iPhone in Toronto, you’ll be limited to The C-band midrange portion of Verizon’s network.
Support for mmWaveThe only difference between iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models is that they are sold in the U.S., and those in Canada and the U.S. Territories. An iPhone 14 bought in Guam will still work. low-band mid-band 5G.
This is also less of an issue if you’re looking to pick up A 2022 iPhone SE. The iPhone SE doesn’t support mmWave at all, and therefore the same model is sold throughout North America. A 2022 iPhone SE purchased from an Apple Store in Montreal will be the same as what you’d get from an Apple Store in New York.
However, this won’t work quite as well if you want to pick up a new iPhone while traveling in Europe. The European iPhone 14 supports the majority of 5G frequencies available in the U.S. However, there are a few key bands that are not supported. The only North American iPhone models are able to support the above. 600Mhz frequenciesT-Mobile uses it in areas with less population. Apple for the curious Offers a useful listEach iPhone model sold in each country has the supported 5G/LTE frequencies.
So, what’s the bottom line? Don’t buy an iPhone from another country unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing. If you’re emigrating 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. Lastly, 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.
Can I add 5G functionality to an older iPhone model
Although AT&T did a brilliant job of muddying the waters with Its 5GE stunt, no iPhone before the iPhone 12 supported 5G, and this isn’t something that can be added retroactively through a software update.
Hardware is what drives cellular technology, especially modem chips and antennas. This means a smartphone can’t support 5G unless it’s been designed for this from the ground up.
If you’re on AT&T, your iPhone 11 or iPhone XR may show a “5GE” symbol, but don’t be misled into thinking you suddenly have a 5G-capable device, as 5GE is a silly marketing name AT&T usesIts advanced 4G/LTE network. It’s the same technology you’d be using if your iPhone was on Verizon or T-Mobile, where they’d more accurately show a “4G” or “LTE” symbol.
Apple is slightly behind the curve
One other point worth mentioning is that Apple’s iPhones have always lagged a bit behind when it comes to the latest and greatest 5G technology.
The iPhone 12 arrived late in the game, more than a year after its predecessor. Samsung Galaxy S10 5GIn early 2019, 5G appeared on the market. By early 2020, 5G became the norm on Samsung’s flagship smartphones. Apple didn’t enter the 5G arena until that September.
Since Apple uses Qualcomm’s 5G modem chips (For now), it’s also been hampered by its iPhone release schedule. Qualcomm announces each year its latest 5G chips at the same time every year. Mobile World Congress (MWC). in March, which doesn’t leave enough time for Apple to get them into its newest iPhones.
The iPhone 12 was launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 modemSamsung and other Android handset manufacturers were also preparing to use it. Modem X60The same was true in 2021 when it was again repeated. iPhone 13Only months prior to the launch, the X60 was transferred to the owners. Galaxy S22The improved version was shown up Snapdragon X65. This trend continues with the iPhone 14 Series featuring the SnapdragonX65 instead the newly announced Snapdragon X70.
This isn’t something that most folks will be affected by in day-to-day use, mainly since 5G networks aren’t nearly up to the task of delivering the 10Gbps 5G peak download speeds that the X70It is capable of. Newer Qualcomm chips consume less power and provide longer battery life. It’s a small wonder that Apple Wants to develop its own 5G modem chipInstead of continuing to rely upon Qualcomm.
That’s it. This should allow you to make an educated decision about purchasing a new 5G iPhone.
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