Which IPhones Have MmWave Support

Applejumped on the 5G train in late 2020, starting with the iPhone 12, and subsequent iPhone models released since then have launched with support for the fifth-generation network. However, not all iPhones have the same 5G support. 5G bands can be classified into three categories – sub-6GHz (Frequency Range 1), mmWave (Frequency Range 2) and C-band 5G. The first has a broader range but slower speeds, not too different from 4G, while mmWave is known to be way faster but uses shorter waves which can easily be obstructed.

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On the other hand, C-band balances the two by providing fast speeds and better range. All four models of the iPhone 12 series and those of the iPhone 13 series have a 5G modem. Furthermore, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) launched in March 2022 also has 5G support, making it the cheapest iPhone compatible with 5G networks. The iPhone 11 is the only model still officially sold by Apple that doesn’t have 5G support.

Just because a device has support for 5G doesn’t mean it will work with all 5G frequency bands, and that applies to the iPhones too. While most countries with 5G networks use the sub-6GHz standard, others, such as the U.S. and Japan, useboth sub-6GHz and mmWave. Similarly, not all iPhones support both types of 5G networks. According to Apple’s cellular page, all the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models support sub-6GHz 5G networks. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) also has support for sub-6GHz networks.

The iPhone SE (3rd generation) Doesn’t Support mmWave
However, the number of supported bands varies depending on the model sold in a particular region. For example, the U.S. models support more bands than those sold in China. Coming to mmWave, which uses bands n258, n260, and n261, the conversation takes a different turn. Only the U.S. iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series models support mmWave. This means those buying these phones in other countries, including those with mmWave networks, won’t be able to connect to mmWave networks. In addition, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) doesn’t have support for mmWave in any region, including the U.S.

To sum it up, those willing to pick up an iPhone with 5G support will be fine with any model released in 2020, save for thediscontinued iPhone SE (2nd generation). However, those who want models compatible with the faster mmWave network will have to purchase the U.S. models of the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 series. It is understandable whyApple didn’t add mmWave support to the iPhone SE. Implementing it is expensive, and doing so would have raised the price of the iPhone SE (3rd generation), which is supposed to be its cheapest model. On the other hand, the Pixel 6a, the iPhone SE’s Android counterpart, has a version with mmWave support that Verizon sells. Although, it costs an extra $50 over the unlocked version that supports only sub-6GHz networks.

NEXT:Does The Pixel 6a Have 5G? Sub-6 & mmWave Options, Explained

Source: Apple