The iPhone X does not support 5G connectivity as it was designed before 5G technology became mainstream.
Understanding the iPhone X Network Capabilities
The iPhone X, released in November 2017, marked a significant leap in Apple’s smartphone design with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID technology. However, it was built during a period when 4G LTE was the dominant mobile network standard. The hardware inside the iPhone X includes a modem that supports up to LTE Advanced speeds but lacks the necessary components to connect to 5G networks.
Apple’s move to 5G came later, starting with the iPhone 12 series released in late 2020. The iPhone X’s cellular modem is a critical factor here. It uses Intel’s XMM 7480 modem, which supports LTE but not the newer 5G NR (New Radio) protocols. This means no matter how strong your carrier’s 5G signal is, the iPhone X simply can’t tap into it.
Why Didn’t Apple Include 5G in the iPhone X?
Back in 2017, the infrastructure for 5G networks was still under development and far from widespread adoption. Incorporating a new modem capable of supporting an emerging standard would have increased costs and complexity without delivering immediate benefits to users.
Additionally, Apple tends to wait until new technologies mature before integrating them into their devices. This strategy ensures better performance and battery efficiency while avoiding early adoption pitfalls like limited coverage or buggy software support.
Comparing Network Technologies: LTE vs. 5G
To grasp why the iPhone X cannot connect to 5G networks, it helps to compare LTE and 5G technologies side by side. Both are standards for mobile broadband but differ significantly in speed, latency, and architecture.
| Feature | 4G LTE (iPhone X) | 5G Networks |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Download Speed | Up to 1 Gbps (LTE Advanced) | Up to 10 Gbps or more |
| Latency | 30-50 milliseconds | 1-10 milliseconds |
| Frequency Bands Used | Sub-6 GHz bands mainly | Sub-6 GHz + mmWave (high frequency) |
| Network Architecture | Macro cell towers with some small cells | Dense small cells + macro towers for coverage and speed |
| Device Compatibility (iPhone X) | Fully compatible | Not compatible at all |
The leap from LTE to 5G is more than just speed; it revolutionizes how devices communicate with networks by reducing lag and supporting more simultaneous connections. Unfortunately, the iPhone X’s hardware limits it exclusively to LTE technologies.
The Role of Software Updates on Network Compatibility
Apple regularly rolls out software updates that can enhance network performance or add support for new carrier features within existing hardware limits. However, these updates cannot enable unsupported hardware functions.
For example, while an update might improve LTE signal handling or add new frequency band support within LTE ranges, it cannot magically enable a device without a physical 5G modem to connect to those networks.
This distinction often causes confusion among users who expect older devices to suddenly gain access to new technologies after software upgrades — but hardware defines ultimate capabilities here.
The Impact of Not Having 5G on Daily Use of an iPhone X
You might wonder if lacking 5G connectivity severely handicaps your experience on an iPhone X. The answer depends largely on your usage patterns and location.
In many urban areas where carriers have rolled out dense and fast 5G coverage, newer phones can achieve significantly faster download speeds and lower latency compared to LTE devices like the iPhone X. Streaming high-resolution video, online gaming, or downloading large files will feel snappier on a true 5G device.
However:
- LTE remains widely available: Despite rapid expansion of 5G networks worldwide, LTE still covers most areas reliably.
- Sufficient speeds for everyday tasks: Browsing social media, messaging apps, voice calls, and standard video streaming run smoothly on LTE.
- No difference in voice calls: Traditional voice calls use different technology (VoLTE), which works perfectly on the iPhone X.
- No impact on Wi-Fi use: When connected to Wi-Fi networks at home or work, cellular technology differences don’t matter.
In short, while missing out on blazing-fast speeds is noticeable if you’re chasing peak performance benchmarks or heavy data use outdoors, many users won’t find daily usage frustratingly slow due solely to lack of 5G.
The Battery Life Factor Without 5G Hardware
Interestingly enough, lacking a power-hungry 5G radio can actually benefit battery life under certain conditions. Early generation phones with active 5G modems sometimes see increased battery drain due to constant signal searching or high data throughput demands.
Since the iPhone X operates only on mature LTE tech optimized over years for efficiency, its battery management remains stable during normal use without sudden spikes caused by high-speed radios switching modes frequently.
This means your older phone might last longer throughout an average day compared with some early-adopter smartphones running nascent versions of mobile broadband tech like initial-generation mmWave phones.
The Practical Reality: Is An iPhone X Still Worth Using Today?
Despite its lack of future-proof cellular tech like native support for next-gen wireless standards such as true standalone/fixed wireless access NR deployments collectively called ‘5G’, the iPhone X remains capable as a daily driver phone under many circumstances:
- Smooth performance powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip even years after launch;
- A solid camera system suitable for casual photography;
- An OLED display offering vibrant visuals;
- A mature ecosystem allowing access to most apps without issues;
- An affordable price point relative to flagship replacements;
If your usage doesn’t demand ultra-high-speed downloads outdoors or you primarily rely on Wi-Fi at home/work/school environments where latency-sensitive tasks occur without interruption—the absence of native physical layer support for true fifth-generation cellular standards may not be deal-breaking today.
However—if you’re chasing every ounce of speed improvement possible across streaming platforms/gaming/downloads—upgrading beyond an older generation device like this is advisable sooner rather than later due simply because network operators continue expanding their reliance upon newer radio technologies unavailable here.
Key Takeaways: Is An iPhone X 5G Ready?
➤ iPhone X does not support 5G networks.
➤ It is limited to 4G LTE connectivity only.
➤ 5G requires newer iPhone models starting from iPhone 12.
➤ Upgrading is necessary for faster 5G speeds.
➤ iPhone X remains compatible with most current networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an iPhone X 5G ready for modern networks?
The iPhone X is not 5G ready. It was released before 5G technology became mainstream and only supports up to LTE Advanced speeds. Its hardware lacks the necessary modem to connect to any 5G networks.
Why doesn’t the iPhone X support 5G connectivity?
Apple did not include 5G support in the iPhone X because 5G infrastructure was still under development in 2017. Incorporating a 5G modem would have increased costs and complexity without immediate benefits for users at that time.
Can software updates make the iPhone X compatible with 5G?
No, software updates cannot enable 5G on the iPhone X. The device’s hardware, specifically its Intel XMM 7480 modem, only supports LTE and cannot be upgraded to handle 5G protocols through software alone.
How does the iPhone X’s network technology compare to 5G?
The iPhone X uses LTE Advanced technology with speeds up to 1 Gbps and latency around 30-50 milliseconds. In contrast, 5G offers much faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network architecture that the iPhone X cannot utilize.
When did Apple start including 5G in their iPhones?
Apple began supporting 5G starting with the iPhone 12 series, released in late 2020. This marked their first generation of smartphones equipped with modems capable of connecting to both Sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G networks.