The 5G revolution is nearly upon us. Here’s when to expect super-fast 5G devices from top phone-makers.
Verizon’s 5G is calling a mulligan. Last month, CNET editor Jessica Dolcourt traveled to Chicago to test the Galaxy S10 5G and experience first-hand what the carrier’s new 5G network on a 5G phone was like. It wasn’t as fast or reliable as expected, but when she tested it out again this week, data speeds blew past 1Gbps.
While the network isn’t quite ready for a nationwide rollout, it’s understandable why it wants to get a jump on 5G. 5G is the latest generation of cellular tech that will connect users to a super-fast mobile network, and carriers are fighting to get there first. In April, Sprint and AT&T reached a settlement after Sprint sued AT&T for displaying “5G E” connectivity on some of its phones, including iPhones. This is despite the fact that its network technology remains unchanged from 4G.
More 5G deployment will take place throughout this year and next. Carriers in the US and around the globe are laying the necessary infrastructure to roll out a faster and more expansive wireless network. In Britain, for example, Vodafone said it will launch its network in July and the government is allowing Huawei access to set up the country’s 5G infrastructure.
Many industries will benefit from faster connectivity — self-driving cars, drones and the internet of things, to name a few — but most people will likely experience the benefits of a robust 5G network only through a 5G-enabled phone. After all, the grand promises carriers and chip-makers are making with 5G coverage don’t mean much if you can’t access the network with your own device.
Since the beginning of this year, many phone-makers unveiled their upcoming 5G phones. To help you keep tabs on when we can expect 5G phones — with real 5G connectivity — here’s what the major phone-makers have announced, and what they haven’t announced, about their 5G phone plans so far.
Originally published Oct. 23, 2018.
Update, April 5, 2019: Adds information about Verizon debuting 5G network in Chicago.
Update, April 26, 2019: Adds preorder information about Galaxy S10E and confirmation of OnePlus 7 Pro.
Update, May 18, 2019: Adds information about manufacturer availability and the Oppo Reno.
Apple
Apple’s in no rush to launch a 5G iPhone and it’s likely you won’t see one until 2025. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, Apple usually isn’t the first in on mobile trends, preferring instead to perfect an emerging technology before committing to it. For example, it was behind its competitors in making phones with 3G and 4G LTE connectivity when those networks just launched.
Second, Apple stopped working with the leading 5G modem provider, Qualcomm, because of a dispute over Qualcomm’s licensing fees. The two companies settled their litigation in April, and then agreed to a multiyear 5G chip deal. This lead to Apple’s previous partner of 5G modems, Intel, to ultimately exit the 5G phone modem business altogether.
Despite all these legal issues, that doesn’t mean Apple is totally ignoring 5G. As mentioned before, some iPhone models on AT&T are displaying the misleading “5G E” symbol on its network.
Apple did not respond for a request to comment.
