iPhone users will not have 5G connectivity until 2020, according to Bloomberg. Citing people familiar with the plans, Bloomberg reported that Apple will follow the path it took with 3G and 4G and wait before offering devices that can connect to the 5G network. There is also speculation that Apple’s ongoing feud with chip-maker Qualcomm may have been involved with the time frame. However, Qualcomm’ CEO Steve Mollenkopf said recently that he expects that dispute to be resolved in the coming months.
Apple’s previous calculations — proven correct — were that the new networks and the first versions of rival smartphones would come with problems such as spotty coverage, making consumers less compelled to immediately make the jump. This time, 5G boosters argue the switch is a much bigger speed upgrade, making Apple’s decision to wait riskier. The networks will open the floodgates to new types of mobile computing, 5G advocates say.
Check It Out: 5G Not Coming to iPhone Until 2020
It would be nice to have something approaching 100% 3G or 4G coverage before worrying about 5G – this might be easy in a big, flat expanse. But I only have a mobile signal aided by a Cisco femtocell booster…. Otherwise, stand outside at the top of the hill in a 50mph wind, I don’t think so.
The cells will get smaller, inevitably owing to the frequencies required to handle 5G data rates.
Please, mobile providers,finish one job before you start the next…oh yeah, forgot, higher bandwidths = more revenue. No thanks, can I have a decent service first?