This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple will introduce 5G support for the first time this year with the iPhone 12 series. The devices are expected to have both the sub-6HGz and mmWave 5G standards. But that could change again in 2021.
The iPhone 12 series will feature 5G, along with a few interesting new features. This now seems certain. Some reliable sources believe that the devices will use both 5G standards. As a reminder, there are two main 5G standards known as sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G. While sub-6 GHz is slower than mmWave 5G technology, it has a longer range – suitable for rural areas. Since mmWave is faster but has a shorter range, this technology is more suitable for large cities or urban areas. Now, the Taiwanese news site DigiTimes has published a new report that takes a closer look at the topic and "reveals" plans for 2021. Apple is allegedly pursuing a different approach for 2021. The report states: Item:
Apple's 2020 series iPhones will work on both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, and the maker is considering launching its iPhones supporting either mmWave or sub-6GHz for certain markets next year, industry sources in Taiwan say.
Ming-Chi Kuo’s forecast differs
Accordingly, the product range would be adapted to the respective countries in 2021. This means, for example, that countries that rely on mmWave networks would receive the iPhone with appropriate support. This would enable Apple to reduce production costs and produce more market-specific devices. However, the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple is already pursuing this approach with the iPhone 12 series. Accordingly, some countries could receive an iPhone version without mmWave support and only rely on sub-6HGz. Nevertheless, all devices should have the same modem hardware this year. The activation of the respective frequency would be done via a software update. In countries without 5G connectivity, this would then be completely deactivated. Accordingly, the iPhone would have no way of dialing into the 5G network. Whichever path Apple takes, we should have an official answer to this by September or October at the latest. This year's presentation could take place in September as usual, despite the COVID-19 crisis. Below you will find a list of the possible specifications of the upcoming Apple smartphones. (Image: svetapple.sk)
