The 5G network is here and while it's currently very limited in terms of cities, countries and mobile networks, it's still here.
The only problem, apart from living in an appropriate location and on a compatible network, is that you also need a 5G phone too. Several companies have released 5G devices - Samsung, Oppo, LG, Xiaomi and OnePlus - but Apple isn't on that list yet.
That's everything we know about the iPhone-enabled 5G, including when it might arrive and what the rumors say.
Apple iPhone 5G release date
- Somewhere in 2020
Apple hasn't said when it will officially announce the iPhone 5G, but that's not expected this year.
Latest reports indicate that Apple will support 5G on at least one of its iPhone models in 2020, and by 2019 it looks like you'll have to settle for a 4G smartphone if you're happy to move on to Samsung, Oppo, LG or divorce. - everyone who has a 5g-ready device in stock.
Usually Apple announced its new iPhone in September, but that doesn't mean a 5G-capable iPhone won't be released earlier this year. At the moment, there is no evidence to back this up though, so for now, we're in for a 5G 12 variant for iPhone or iPhone HETO in September 2020.
Apple iPhone 5G in the rumors: what happened so far?
August 22, 2019: Apple iPhone 11 pro, watch Series 5 and AirPods 3 details revealed in new report
A report from Bloomberg offered a number of details on what to expect for 2019 iPhones and 5G connectivity is not listed as a feature.
Instead, Mark Gurman noted in the report that the 2020 iPhones will be 5G models rather than the 2019 iPhones, supporting what has been requested in the past.
July 22, 2019 for iPhone 5G? Apple May Buy Intel's 5G Modem Biz Despite Qualcomm's Internet
The Wall Street Journal said Apple could strike a deal with Intel that would see it acquire Intel's smart phone modem business for $1 billion.
The deal, which could be announced as early as late July 2019, will follow Intel's announcement from April 2019 that it plans to leave the 5G mobile modem business.
June 18, 2019: Analyst predicts iPhone 5G coming by 2020
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple will announce 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch high-end iPhones with OLED displays offering 5G connectivity, along with a 6,1-inch LTE-enabled OLED model in 2020.
Kuo also said that all iPhones will have 5G capabilities by 2021 and Apple will likely have its own 5G feature by 2023.
April 16, 2019: Apple and Qualcomm settle legal issues, while Intel discontinues 5G
After two years of legal wrangling, Apple and Qualcomm settled in April 2019, to everyone's surprise. The settlement resulted in Apple making payments to Qualcomm and the two companies also signing a six-year license agreement effective April 1, 2019.
There is an option in the village to extend the agreement for two years, plus the norms of the "supply agreement chipset". This has led many to believe that Apple might release the iPhone 5G earlier than 2020, as Qualcomm already has a 5G modem in place.
On the same day as Qualcomm and Apple in the settlement, Intel announced it was leaving the 5G modem, with its CEO saying, "It has become apparent that there is no clear path to profitability and positive results."
February 7, 2019: Apple moves modem chip appliances in the house
Reuters reported that sources familiar with the case claimed that Apple has transferred its modem chip to technical efforts and its own hardware team.
The move seems to be an indication that Apple is working on its own chips rather than outsourcing.
November 5, 2018 for iPhone 12 will be the first 5G for iPhone
Quickly, the company announced in November 2018 that Apple would use the Intel 8161 5G modem in 2020, leading many to believe the first 5G compatible iPhone would be the iPhone 12.
At the time of the report, Apple and Qualcomm were still in legal disputes that resulted in Apple switching to Intel chips for some of its iPhones.