How Apple Added 5G: Timeline and Key Differences

Apple introduced 5G support with the iPhone 12 family, making 5G standard on all iPhone lines that followed. That initial rollout established the baseline: iPhone 12 and later models (including the 2022 iPhone SE) include hardware capable of connecting to 5G networks. For specifics about carrier and regional availability Apple’s cellular support pages are authoritative and list which features are enabled on which models.

Not all 5G is the same. Apple—and the industry—distinguish between high-frequency mmWave 5G (very fast but short-range) and sub-6GHz 5G (wider coverage, generally lower peak speeds). Different iPhone models support different combinations of these bands depending on their market and internal antenna design. Understanding this distinction is important when choosing a phone for a particular carrier or region.

Over successive iPhone generations Apple has refined 5G power efficiency, band support, and modem integration, while carriers expanded their networks from sub-6 deployments into selective mmWave zones and standalone 5G services. The net result: buying a newer model improves the likelihood of encountering broader band support and better performance in more places.

Complete List — Which iPhones Have 5G?

All iPhone models that include 5G hardware are those from the iPhone 12 series onward, plus the 2022 iPhone SE (third-generation). In practical terms, the following model families include 5G capability (sub-6GHz and, on many models and regions, mmWave where supported):

iPhone 12 series (all models)
iPhone 13 series (all models)
iPhone 14 series (all models)
iPhone 15 series (all models)
iPhone 16 series (all models)
iPhone 17 series (all models)
iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)

Earlier phones—iPhone 11, XS, XR, X, 8 and older—do not support 5G and are limited to 4G/LTE or earlier cellular technologies. If you need explicit confirmation for a specific model number or variant (for example, carrier-locked units or regional variants that sometimes omit bands), check the device’s model number against Apple’s technical specs or the carrier’s compatibility list.

How to Verify 5G Support on a Specific iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Check the Device Model and Year

Locate the device model in Settings > General > About > Model Name and Model Number. Any model listed under the iPhone 12 family or newer will have 5G-capable hardware; SE (3rd gen) is the notable compact model that also includes 5G. Use Apple’s official tech specs to verify which bands the specific model supports for your region.

Step 2 — Inspect the Cellular Settings

Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. If the phone supports 5G and is running a recent iOS, you will see options such as “5G On”, “5G Auto”, or “LTE” depending on carrier support and current connection. If there is no mention of 5G in these menus, the device or the installed carrier profile may not support 5G.

Step 3 — Confirm Carrier and Plan Support

5G requires not just device hardware but also a carrier that supports 5G on your plan—some legacy plans or regional carriers may not enable 5G or may require a separate upgrade. Check the carrier’s phone compatibility page or contact customer service to confirm your IMSI/profile has 5G provisioning. Carrier web pages and Apple’s carrier support notes document which models and bands each carrier supports.

What “Types” of 5G Will You See on iPhone?

On iPhones you’ll most commonly encounter two 5G flavors:

Sub-6GHz 5G: Wider coverage, better building penetration, more consistent speeds across areas. It’s the backbone of most carrier 5G rollouts and is supported on essentially all 5G-capable iPhones.
mmWave 5G: Extremely fast peak speeds and low latency in dense urban environments or stadiums, but very limited range and poor penetration. Not every iPhone model supports mmWave in every market—Apple typically restricted mmWave hardware to units sold in certain regions, and some lower-cost models omit it to reduce cost and complexity.

Because mmWave support varies by region and model variant, buyers in mmWave-deployed cities (e.g., select US metro areas) should confirm the model’s band compatibility and whether their carrier uses mmWave in the places they use their phone.

Buying Guide — Choosing the Right 5G iPhone for Your Needs

When selecting a 5G iPhone, consider these factors to align device capability with your expectations and budget:

Coverage vs. Peak Speed: If you need consistent everyday performance, prioritize models with robust sub-6GHz support and a carrier with broad sub-6 coverage. If you live or work in mmWave-served areas and want the fastest peaks, choose a model and carrier combination with mmWave enabled.
Model Year: Newer models tend to have improved modem efficiency and additional band support. For long-term use and resale value, buying the most recent generation you can afford is the safest bet.
Carrier Lock and Regional Variants: A phone bought from a carrier or specific country can differ in supported bands. For the broadest compatibility, prefer unlocked global models or check Apple’s model-band tables for the exact part number.
Battery Life Considerations: 5G connections can use more power under some conditions. Newer iPhones include software and modem optimizations to limit battery impact; consider capacity and power management when comparing models.
Budget and Refurbished Options: If cost is a factor, iPhone 12/13 models and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) give solid 5G support for lower prices on refurbished markets—but verify band support before buying used.

Troubleshooting 5G on iPhone — Practical Steps

Symptom: No 5G Option in Settings

Confirm the model (iPhone 12 or later / SE 3rd gen) and iOS version. Update to the latest iOS; carriers sometimes distribute network updates through iOS or carrier settings that enable 5G. If the device is older than iPhone 12, it will not show 5G options. If the phone is compatible and still not showing 5G, contact your carrier to ensure your account/plan is provisioned for 5G.

Symptom: Spotty or Slow 5G Speeds

Check whether you’re connected to sub-6 or mmWave in the status area (carrier UIs vary). In many areas, sub-6 provides modest gains over LTE rather than the headline speeds; mmWave is the high-speed exception. Move to an open outdoor area to test coverage and run speed tests to compare LTE vs 5G performance. If speeds remain low, toggle Airplane Mode, restart the phone, and review carrier settings updates.

Symptom: Rapid Battery Drain on 5G

Enable “5G Auto” in Cellular settings to allow the phone to use LTE where 5G offers no meaningful benefit—this minimizes battery impact while preserving peak 5G when necessary. If battery drain continues, check for apps using heavy background data or poorly optimized apps and consider installing the latest iOS updates which may contain modem and power management improvements.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most from 5G on iPhone

Pick the right plan: Confirm your carrier plan explicitly allows 5G and doesn’t throttle speeds on certain tiers. Some carriers reserve full 5G for premium plans. Call customer support or check their online plan comparison.
Buy unlocked when possible: An unlocked iPhone maximizes band compatibility across carriers and makes international travel and carrier switching simpler.
Check regional band lists: Before purchasing used devices, compare the model number to Apple’s regional specs—some secondhand phones lack bands needed for mmWave or local sub-6 ranges.
Use 5G wisely to save battery: Set Cellular > Cellular Data Options to “5G Auto” so iOS uses LTE when 5G doesn’t meaningfully improve performance.
Test signal in real locations: Online coverage maps show broad trends, but real performance varies by street and building. Test in your home, workplace, and commute to ensure consistent coverage.
Keep iOS and carrier settings updated: Carriers regularly push compatibility and performance improvements; install updates promptly to benefit from modem and network fixes.
Consider accessories carefully: Certain rugged cases or metal mounts can degrade antenna performance—if you need the best signal, test the phone with and without the case in different locations.
When in doubt, ask Apple or carrier support: For model-specific band questions, Apple’s official tech specs and carrier compatibility pages provide authoritative answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which single iPhone model was the first to support 5G?

Apple introduced 5G with the iPhone 12 series; the entire iPhone 12 lineup was the first generation with 5G hardware.

Q: Does the iPhone SE support 5G?

The iPhone SE (3rd generation, released 2022) includes 5G support. Earlier SE models (1st and 2nd generation) are limited to 4G/LTE. If buying an SE for 5G, ensure it’s the 2022 model.

Q: Will my older iPhone get 5G via a software update?

No. 5G requires specific radio hardware. Phones older than the iPhone 12 family lack the modem and antenna architecture needed for 5G, so software updates alone cannot add 5G.

Q: Is mmWave available everywhere on iPhones that support it?

No. mmWave availability depends on the exact phone variant (country/region) and the carrier’s deployment. Many iPhone models support mmWave in markets where Apple included the necessary antennas and where carriers have mmWave coverage. Verify the model’s supported bands for your market.

Q: Does 5G always give dramatically faster real-world speeds?

Not always. Sub-6GHz 5G often offers incremental improvements in speed and latency over LTE but not the dramatic peaks associated with mmWave. Actual performance depends on network deployment, congestion, and which band you’re using.

Conclusion

This guide summarizes the practical facts and checks you need when evaluating 5G on iPhone. If you want 5G-capable hardware, focus on iPhone 12 and newer models (including the iPhone SE 3rd generation), verify the exact model number against Apple’s technical specs, and confirm carrier provisioning for 5G on your plan. Understand the difference between sub-6 and mmWave 5G so you can match your expectations to real-world coverage in your area. Use the step-by-step verification steps, troubleshoot with the practical fixes listed, and follow the pro tips to maximize performance and battery life. When in doubt, consult Apple’s official device pages and your carrier’s compatibility resources to confirm the bands and features relevant to your region and intended use.