All about 5G in Apple products
All about 5G in Apple products
The 5G networks have been available for some time now from the Dutch and Belgian providers. It is logical that you are looking for a model with 5G for your next iPhone. See here which Apple products work with 5G and whether you need it now. We list the facts for you.
- 5G iPhones
- 5G iPads
- 5G Macs
- Do you really need 5G?
- 5G iPads
- 5G MacBooks
Which iPhone supports 5G?
Since the iPhone 12 series, there has been 5G support on the iPhone. This is standard on all models, so even if you don’t need it and if it is standard in your provider bundle, your device will have 5G support. This therefore applies to:
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone SE 2022
The latest generation iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone that works with 5G. If you opt for the latest models, you can choose from:
-
iPhone 13mini (5.4-inch | subscription | separate device)
-
iPhone 13 (6.1 inch | subscription | separate device)
-
iPhone 13 Pro (6.1 inch | subscription | separate device)
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max (6.7-inch | subscription | separate device)
Whether you can use 5G depends on your provider. Some providers offer it for free with their (more expensive) bundles, while you have to pay for it with other providers. You can use 5G with a physical SIM card or as an eSIM.
5G support is currently available at:
-
KPN (included)
-
Tele2 (against payment)
-
T-Mobile (included)
-
Vodafone (included)
In our overview of 5G providers in the Netherlands you will find more information about available bundles and extra costs of 5G. 5G is almost never available at the budget providers.
Should you already buy an iPhone with 5G? If you plan to use your device for a few years, it is wise to choose a 5G iPhone now.
Is my iPhone 5G ready?
If you have an earlier model than mentioned above (i.e. a predecessor of the iPhone 12 series), it is not suitable for 5G. It is also not possible to make these models suitable for 5G with a firmware update. This is because a special modem is required.
You can, however, use a faster connection with many providers that is called 4G+ or 4.5G. This connection is fast enough for many users to download movies and stream them on the go. Check with your provider what options you have. Sometimes extra fast 4G is offered under a fancy marketing name.
5G on iPad
Currently, the number of iPads with 5G is still limited:
-
iPad Air 2022 and newer
-
iPad mini 2021 and newer
-
iPad Pro 2021 (11 and 12.9-inch) and newer
You only get this at extra cost. The basic models have WiFi, which is sufficient for most people. If you also want to be able to use the internet quickly outside the home, without having to use the mobile hotspot of your iPhone, a so-called ‘Cellular’ model with 5G support can be useful. However, you do pay for it, because of the higher purchase price and the monthly subscription costs.
5G on the Mac
There are no MacBooks and iMacs with a built-in 5G connection yet. There have been rumors that Apple had plans to release a MacBook with 5G in 2020. However, this did not happen. You will have to use your iPhone’s 4G or 5G connection for now.
Why we do not yet have the faster 5G mmWave in the Netherlands
All iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models and the iPhone SE 2022 have 5G, so you can also download faster in the Netherlands and Belgium. But the fastest variant is not supported, because the necessary frequencies for it have not yet been released.
Here’s the thing: there are two variants of 5G. Only the Sub-6 variant is currently available in the Netherlands. This works at greater distances and is therefore very suitable for providing coverage in a large area. This variant is slightly faster than 4G, but often it doesn’t even make that much difference. If we look at 5G speeds at providers, you can get a small speed gain by taking a 5G bundle. The 5G connection is often a bit more stable, so that is also a reason to get one.
The faster variant mmWave is not yet available on the iPhone models sold in the Netherlands. These devices are only available in the US, but the impact is not yet very big there either. It only works with certain providers in major cities.
In the course of 2022, the faster frequencies will be auctioned in the Netherlands and providers can start offering really fast 5G. Its rollout will take a little longer. mmWave has a much shorter range and therefore many more masts have to be placed. Probably only useful in the big cities. You will only really notice it in the course of 2024.
iPhones with mmWave can be recognized by a colored square on the side.
Do you already need 5G?
Should you already buy an iPhone or iPad with 5G? For many people, the need will not be that urgent, but if you are ready for a new iPhone, it is best to take one that already supports 5G. Especially if you plan to use your device for a longer period of time.
If you already want an iPhone with mmWave support, you can get an iPhone from abroad. You have to be in the US and make sure you buy from the right provider. It’s just of no use to you yet, because the mmWave frequencies are hardly available in European countries.
Read more about 5G networks in our explanation:
