No, the iPhone 11 does not support 5G connectivity as it was designed with 4G LTE technology only.
Understanding the iPhone 11’s Network Capabilities
Apple released the iPhone 11 in September 2019, positioning it as a flagship device with powerful features and a competitive price point. While it boasts impressive hardware like the A13 Bionic chip and dual-camera system, its network capabilities are firmly rooted in 4G LTE technology. The iPhone 11 supports a wide range of LTE bands, allowing for fast and reliable internet speeds on existing 4G networks worldwide. However, it does not include the necessary hardware to connect to the newer 5G networks.
To clarify, 5G technology requires specialized modems and antennas that can handle higher frequency bands and faster data transfer rates. Apple introduced these components starting with the iPhone 12 series, which launched in late 2020. The iPhone 11 lacks this modem hardware entirely, meaning users cannot access or benefit from any form of 5G connectivity on this model.
How Does the iPhone 11’s LTE Performance Compare?
Despite lacking 5G, the iPhone 11 delivers strong network performance thanks to its advanced LTE modem and support for multiple frequency bands. This means users can expect fast downloads, smooth streaming, and reliable connectivity in most areas with good LTE coverage.
Here’s how it stacks up:
| Network Type | Max Download Speed | Typical Real-World Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE (iPhone 11) | Up to ~1 Gbps (theoretical) | 50-300 Mbps depending on carrier & location |
| 5G (iPhone 12 and later) | Up to ~10 Gbps (theoretical) | 100 Mbps – over 1 Gbps depending on network |
| 3G Networks | N/A (slower speeds) | Up to a few Mbps |
While LTE speeds vary based on carrier infrastructure and congestion, they remain sufficient for most daily activities such as video calls, HD streaming, browsing, and gaming.
The Impact of Missing Out on 5G Networks
The absence of a 5G modem in the iPhone 11 means users won’t experience some key benefits offered by this new standard:
- Faster speeds: Downloading large files or streaming ultra-high-definition content can be quicker on a good 5G connection.
- Lower latency: Reduced lag times improve real-time applications like gaming or augmented reality experiences.
- Improved capacity: In crowded areas where many devices compete for bandwidth, 5G networks manage traffic better.
However, these advantages depend heavily on local network availability. Many regions still rely primarily on LTE networks due to ongoing rollout phases or infrastructure limitations. For users in such areas, an iPhone without native 5G support will not feel outdated immediately.
The Reality of Current Global Network Coverage
As of mid-2024, while many countries have launched commercial standalone or non-standalone versions of their respective sub-6 GHz and mmWave-based networks, coverage remains uneven:
- Urban centers: Most major cities offer some form of reliable mid-band or low-band 5G coverage.
- Suburban areas: Coverage is growing but may be spotty or limited to certain carriers.
- Rural regions: Many places still depend solely on LTE networks due to cost and logistical challenges deploying new towers.
This patchy rollout means that even if you had a phone capable of connecting to every type of network out there today, you might not always find a strong enough signal for blazing-fast speeds everywhere you go.
The Hardware Differences Between iPhone Models Regarding Network Tech
To understand why “Is An iPhone 11 5G Ready?” is answered with a firm no requires looking under the hood at Apple’s hardware choices across generations.
The key component is the cellular modem chip:
- A13 Bionic + Intel XMM7660 modem (iPhone 11):
This combination supports advanced LTE but no native support for any form of millimeter-wave or sub-6 GHz frequencies used by modern standalone or non-standalone (NSA) architectures in true (3GPP Release16/17). - A14 Bionic + Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 modem (iPhone12):
This is Apple’s first device equipped with Qualcomm’s X55 modem capable of handling both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands required for full-fledged multi-band global (NSA + SA)-compatible 5G connectivity. - A15 Bionic + Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 modem (iPhone13) & A16 + X65 modem (iPhone14):
Latter models continue using Qualcomm’s latest modems optimized for faster speeds and better power efficiency within expanding global (SA/NSA) standards.
This progression illustrates why only starting with the iPhone12 series did Apple officially join the race toward full consumer-grade mobile broadband revolution represented by widespread adoption of true 5G networks.
The Modem Table: Key Specs Breakdown
| A13 + Intel XMM7660 (iPhone11) | A14 + Qualcomm X55 (iPhone12+) | |
|---|---|---|
| LTE Support Bands | Diverse global coverage | Diverse global coverage |
| 5G Support | No | Yes – mmWave & sub-6 GHz |
| Theoretical Max Speed | <1 Gbps | >10 Gbps |
| Battery Efficiency | N/A (LTE only) | Improved power management for dual-mode operation |
| Date Released | Sep.2019 | Oct./Nov.2020 onward |
Some carriers label enhanced versions of their LTE networks as “5GE” (or similar terms), implying next-gen speed improvements while technically remaining under fourth-generation standards.
This marketing practice has caused confusion among consumers who assume their phones are truly connecting via genuine fifth-generation cellular technology when they are not.
Key Takeaways: Is An iPhone 11 5G Ready?
➤ iPhone 11 does not support 5G networks.
➤ Supports up to 4G LTE connectivity.
➤ 5G requires newer iPhone models like iPhone 12 and later.
➤ No hardware upgrade option for 5G on iPhone 11.
➤ Still offers fast performance with Wi-Fi and LTE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 11 5G ready?
No, the iPhone 11 is not 5G ready. It was designed with 4G LTE technology and lacks the hardware necessary to connect to 5G networks. Apple introduced 5G support starting with the iPhone 12 series.
Why doesn’t the iPhone 11 support 5G?
The iPhone 11 does not support 5G because it does not have the specialized modems and antennas required for higher frequency bands and faster data transfer rates. These components were first included in the iPhone 12 models.
How does the iPhone 11’s network performance compare without 5G?
Despite lacking 5G, the iPhone 11 offers strong LTE performance with support for multiple frequency bands. Users can expect fast downloads, smooth streaming, and reliable connectivity on existing 4G networks.
What are the disadvantages of the iPhone 11 not being 5G ready?
Without 5G, users miss out on faster download speeds, lower latency for gaming and real-time apps, and better network capacity in crowded areas. However, many regions still primarily use LTE networks where the iPhone 11 performs well.
Will the iPhone 11 work on a 5G network at all?
The iPhone 11 cannot connect to or benefit from any form of 5G network as it lacks the necessary hardware. It will continue to operate using available 4G LTE networks instead.