The iPhone 10 (iPhone X) does not support 5G connectivity as it was designed before 5G technology became mainstream.
Understanding the iPhone 10’s Network Capabilities
The iPhone 10, also known as the iPhone X, launched in November 2017. It marked a major design overhaul for Apple, introducing an edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID technology. However, the cellular network capabilities of the iPhone X were limited to the standards available at that time. Specifically, the device supports LTE Advanced (4G) but does not include hardware or software compatibility for 5G networks.
This limitation stems from the modem chipset inside the device. The iPhone X uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE modem or Intel XMM7480 modem depending on the region, both of which are strictly designed for 4G LTE speeds. Since 5G modems only started appearing in smartphones around late 2019 and early 2020, earlier models like the iPhone X lack this feature.
Despite lacking 5G support, the iPhone X still offers fast and reliable internet speeds on LTE networks. In many urban areas with strong LTE coverage, users may not notice significant speed differences compared to early-stage 5G networks. However, as carriers continue to expand their 5G infrastructure, devices without native support will be unable to access these faster speeds or lower latency benefits.
Technical Breakdown: Why Is An iPhone 10 5G Compatible? No
The core reason why the iPhone X cannot connect to 5G networks lies in its hardware architecture. Here are some technical specifics:
- Modem Chipset: The Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE modem supports up to Category 16 LTE with speeds up to 1 Gbps but lacks any form of 5G NR (New Radio) compatibility.
- Processor Constraints: The A11 Bionic chip powering the iPhone X was not built with integrated support for new-generation modems required for 5G.
- Software Limitations: Even if hardware could be theoretically upgraded via software (which it cannot), Apple has not released any firmware updates enabling 5G on older devices.
In contrast, Apple’s first official foray into 5G came with the release of the iPhone 12 series in October 2020. These models incorporate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 modem capable of handling both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands of 5G connectivity.
The modem chipset is critical because it acts as a bridge between your phone’s processor and cellular networks. It interprets signals from cell towers and manages data transmission protocols specific to each generation: from 3G to LTE and now to 5G NR.
Without a modem designed for fifth-generation cellular standards, a device simply cannot communicate with a 5G tower’s unique frequencies and protocols. This means even if you are in an area with excellent 5G coverage, your phone will default back to LTE or earlier networks.
Key Takeaways: Is An iPhone 10 5G Compatible?
➤ iPhone 10 does not support 5G connectivity.
➤ It is limited to 4G LTE networks only.
➤ 5G requires newer iPhone models (iPhone 12 and later).
➤ Upgrading is necessary for access to 5G speeds.
➤ 4G LTE still provides reliable internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An iPhone 10 5G Compatible?
No, the iPhone 10 (iPhone X) is not 5G compatible. It was released before 5G technology became mainstream and only supports LTE Advanced (4G) networks due to its modem hardware limitations.
Why Is An iPhone 10 Not 5G Compatible?
The iPhone 10 lacks 5G compatibility because its modem chipset, either Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE or Intel XMM7480, supports only up to 4G LTE speeds. The device’s processor and software also do not support the newer 5G standards.
Can Software Updates Make An iPhone 10 5G Compatible?
No software update can enable 5G on an iPhone 10. The limitation is hardware-based, specifically the modem chipset, which cannot be upgraded through firmware or software changes by Apple.
How Does The iPhone 10’s Network Capability Compare Without 5G?
The iPhone 10 offers reliable and fast internet speeds on LTE Advanced networks. While it lacks the faster speeds and lower latency of 5G, many users still experience good performance in areas with strong LTE coverage.
When Did Apple First Introduce 5G Compatibility After The iPhone 10?
Apple first introduced official 5G support with the release of the iPhone 12 series in October 2020. These models include Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 modems that handle both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G bands.