With the rapid advancements in mobile technology that we’ve been seeing over the past few years, it’s no surprise that Apple has introduced 5G capabilities across several of its latest iPhone models. As of 2023, the latest iPhone 15 line-up, along with the SE (2022), the 13 series, and the 12 series, all support 5G technology. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a new iPhone and want to make sure that you get a 5G connection for the best speeds and lowest latency, keep reading as we dive deeper into each of the 5G-capable handsets.
What Is 5G?
5G is the most significant upgrade to smartphones in several years. And, as 5G coverage has now been rolled out in most areas and has become widespread, it’s become an almost crucial component of new smartphones, including, of course, the iPhone.
Whether you already use an iPhone, or you are considering buying a new one, then you may be wondering if your phone, or the iPhone you’re looking into buying, supports 5G. You’ll be glad to know, the answer is likely to be yes as all the latest iPhones are 5G enabled. However, not all the older models support 5G, and Apple was later than other manufacturers to start supporting 5G with their phones. Because of this, you don’t have to go too far back to find 4G phones. In fact, if you have an iPhone 11 or older, then you won’t be able to get 5G connectivity.
This availability of both 4G and 5G iPhones means that your choice of iPhone is more important than ever. The good news is that since the new iPhone 14 range and the latest iPhone SE launches, the choice of 5G Apple handsets on the market is only growing.
What iPhones are 5G?
5G is the next-generation wireless technology that offers faster speeds, increased bandwidth, and lower latency compared to its predecessor, 4G. If you are in the market for an iPhone with 5G capabilities, you’ll be pleased to hear that Apple has released several models that support this technology, and more are due to be released next year.
Firstly, the latest iPhone 14 range comes with 5G capabilities, providing users with a lightning-fast connection. The iPhone 14 features the latest A15 Bionic chip and a 5-core GPU, not only enabling 5G but also enhancing overall performance and efficiency.
The iPhone 14 line-up includes the iPhone 14 Plus, Pro, and 14 Pro Max, all of which come equipped with 5G capabilities. The Pro models feature ProMotion technology; a high-refresh-rate display to enhance the user experience, particularly for gaming, streaming video, and scrolling through social media.
The SE (2022) is a budget-friendly option that also supports 5G, making it a fantastic choice for anybody who wants access to the latest technology and fastest speeds without breaking the bank. While it has a smaller screen size compared to the iPhone 14 line-up, it still packs a punch.
The iPhone 13 series, released in 2021, includes the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max. All four models come with 5G capabilities, offering faster download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and an overall smoother and more pleasant internet experience.
Finally, the iPhone 12 series, released in 2020, was the first iPhone line-up to be 5G capable. If you’re looking to save money, but still want to get your hands on one of the newer, faster iPhones, this might be a good option for you. While not quite as fast as the iPhone 13 or 14 series, the iPhone 12, 12 Plus, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max are still excellent handsets.
What iPhones Support 5G? Maximum Speeds
The iPhone 12 range all work with 5G, and Apple claims that they’re capable of reaching up to 4Gbps in speed. The iPhone 13 and 14 ranges also work with 5G, and while there hasn’t been a confirmation of their maximum speeds by Apple, it’s safe to presume that it’s around the same.
Additionally, Apple has also said that the iPhone 12 line-up supports a higher number of 5G bands compared to any other smartphone available when they were launched. The iPhone 13 and 14 line-ups support an even higher number.
It’s worth noting, however, that the iPhone SE (2022) is likely to offer somewhat slower 5G compared to the 12, 13, and 14 ranges. While Apple has not listed speeds, the SE is listed as only offering ‘5G cellular’ compared to the ‘Superfast 5G cellular’ offered by the other line-ups. The SE also only offers 2×2 MIMO compared to the 4×4 MIMO offered by the 12, 13, and 14 ranges. MIMO refers to a technology that multiplies the capacity of a connection.
What iPhones Have 5G?
All new iPhones from the iPhone 12 line-up and newer have 5G as standard, so if you’re buying one of those, you’re free to enjoy the latest super-fast speeds.
However, what if you have (or want) an older iPhone? There are still plenty of great models to choose from, like the 11, or even the X line-ups. While none of the older models support 5G, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max have Gigabit LTE support. This is a super-fast type of 4G, supporting 4X4 MIMO, which means a larger antenna number compared to typical 4G. It can attain top download speeds of 1600Mbps.
It’s also worth noting that the iPhone 11 and older models like the iPhone XS and XS Max can achieve similar. However, Apple made further improvements to speed for the iPhone 11 Pro handsets. This means that you can expect the iPhone 11 Pro phones to be much faster compared to the iPhone XS range and the SE (2020), and slightly faster than the X and XR handsets.
When Did Apple Launch a 5G Phone?
Apple launched its first 5G phone, the iPhone 12, on October 23, 2020. The iPhone 12 line-up included four models – the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max – all supporting 5G technology.
The introduction of 5G technology marked a huge milestone for Apple. It allowed the brand to offer faster internet speeds, lower latency, and improved overall device performance. 5G technology is the next generation of wireless communication, and it is already revolutionising the way we use mobile devices by providing users with seamless connectivity and blazing-fast speeds.
The iPhone 12 line-up also introduced a new design language, featuring a flat-edged design reminiscent of the old iPhone 4, and a departure from the curved edges that had become a significant feature of the iPhone line-ups previously.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini also featured a Super Retina XDR display, while the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max came with a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology. The Pro models also feature a LiDAR scanner, providing improved augmented reality experiences and better low-light photography.
Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, introduced with the iPhone 12 range, provided improved efficiency and performance, including smoother multitasking and faster app launch times.
Choosing the Right 5G iPhone
Choosing an iPhone with 5G capabilities is an important decision for anybody who wants to experience faster internet speeds and improved connectivity on their mobile device. With a range of iPhones now on the market that support 5G, it can be a challenge to decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
One of the key factors to consider when choosing an iPhone with 5G is the model itself. Apple’s latest lineup, including the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, SE (2022), the iPhone 13 series, and the iPhone 12 series, all come equipped with 5G as standard. These devices vary in terms of screen size, features, and price, so do some research first and choose a model that meets your needs and budget.
The network provider you use is also an important factor to consider. Bear in mind that not all networks support 5G technology, so it’s crucial to check and ensure that you will be able to take advantage of 5G capabilities on your iPhone. Plus, even if you can get 5G, it’s worth noting that the quality of the network can vary depending on where you are located. So, spend some time searching coverage maps and network performance in your area to ensure that it’s worth it.
Battery life is another crucial consideration to make when choosing a 5G iPhone. 5G technology requires more power compared to 4G, which can impact your battery life. Some iPhone models have better battery life than others, so research and compare battery performance before you decide.
Finally, think about how you use your iPhone before making a final decision. For example, if you are a power user and regularly stream video content, play online games, or use other resource-intensive applications, you may want a model with more advanced features and better performance. On the other hand, if you’re a more casual user and primarily use your phone for web browsing and messaging, a budget-friendly option might be ideal for you.
Overall, the launch of 5G handsets was a significant milestone for Apple. It’s now available on all the latest handsets from the iPhone 12 line-up onwards.