Will the iPhone 12 be 5G? Yes! Apple introduces 5G connectivity
The iPhone 11 doesn't support 5G - will its successor right this wrong?
This is the year that mobile manufacturers fully embraced 5G, with pretty much every major smartphone launched in 2020 supporting the data network.
However, despite usually being ahead of the curve with their must-have iPhone features, Apple has curiously been reluctant to implement the new technology.
So with iPhone 12 pre-order on the way, is this the year the tech giant finally gives in to the 5G hype? The answer is yes! At the Apple event on 13th October, the company confirmed 5G is finally here.
“The Next Generation is here,” Tim Cook said. “Today, we’re bringing 5G to iPhone.” It will bring more responsive gaming, real-time interactivity, and faster uploads and downloads, he says, and you can get faster speeds even in densely connected areas.
“Each generation of cellular network technology on iPhone has enabled breakthrough innovations… and 5G is the most exciting step yet,” he added.
See the good news below.
Will the iPhone 12 support 5G?
The iPhone 12 has just been announced - but yes, the iPhone 12 is supporting 5G.
One reason why Apple was slow to support the new mobile network is that they needed a 5G modem manufacturer - which they now have in Qualcomm now that the two companies have settled their legal dispute.
The new design has five new colours including the new navy blue as predicted - but importantly the antenna goes around the outside.
What were the rumours before the event?
A leak earlier this year suggested that the SIM tray had moved to the left-hand side on all four models, supposedly to make room for the 5G antennas - meaning all the iPhone 12 models will likely support 5G.
There are two kinds of 5G networks - the faster mmWave and the slower sub-6GHz.
As mmWave isn't widely available yet, YouTuber and analyst Jon Prosser has claimed that only the two pricier models will support that 5G network, with the two cheaper variants having to make use of the slower sub-6GHz.
However, it is worth pointing out than sub-6GHz is still much faster than conventional 4G, and has a wider range than mmWave. There is also rumoured to be a 4G only version of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max available for those wary of the new technology.
In short, yes the iPhone 12 will almost certainly support 5G - Apple would be trailing behind their competitors if they didn't.
Should I wait for the iPhone 12?
If you want you can buy an iPhone 11 now:
However, you may want to wait a little longer before taking the plunge with a new iPhone. With the release of the iPhone 12 imminent, you may well wish to buy this newer, 5G model instead - or indeed get the older iPhone 11 for a much cheaper price.
It's also worth bearing in mind that Black Friday is a great time to scoop up the latest iPhone on offer.
Of course, you can check out your other options with the best iPhone to buy in 2020 and deals on iPhone 11 this August.
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Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events