The Apple iPhone 10 (iPhone X) does not support 5G connectivity as it was released before 5G technology became mainstream.
Understanding the iPhone X and Its Network Capabilities
The Apple iPhone X, launched in November 2017, marked a significant leap in smartphone design with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID technology. However, when it comes to network connectivity, the iPhone X was built around the standards prevalent at that time—primarily 4G LTE. The device supports a wide range of LTE bands, allowing for fast mobile internet speeds compatible with most carriers worldwide during that period.
Despite its advanced hardware for the era, the iPhone X does not have the internal components required to access 5G networks. This limitation stems from its modem chip and antenna design, which were engineered solely for 4G LTE and earlier cellular technologies. As a result, users of this model cannot take advantage of the faster speeds and lower latency offered by 5G.
Why Isn’t the iPhone X Compatible with 5G?
The crux of the matter lies in the hardware architecture. The iPhone X uses Intel’s XMM 7480 modem or Qualcomm’s MDM9655 modem variants depending on region and carrier partnerships. Both modems are strictly designed for LTE Advanced networks and do not support the new radio frequencies or protocols introduced by 5G technology.
5G requires a different class of modems capable of handling new spectrum bands—sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave)—which demand advanced antenna arrays and signal processing. These were not incorporated into the iPhone X because it was designed before Apple began integrating 5G modems into their devices. The first Apple phone to officially support 5G was the iPhone 12 series, released in late 2020.
Technical Constraints of Modem Compatibility
The modem inside any smartphone acts as a bridge between the device’s processor and cellular networks. For true 5G compatibility, this modem must:
- Support New Radio (NR) standards defined by 3GPP Release 15 or later.
- Operate on wider frequency bands including mmWave frequencies (24 GHz and above).
- Manage dynamic spectrum sharing between LTE and NR.
The Intel XMM 7480 modem in iPhone X only supports LTE Advanced Cat-16 with up to Gigabit LTE speeds but lacks any NR capabilities. This means no software update can enable 5G on this device without hardware changes.
The Impact of No 5G on iPhone X Users
While it might seem like a significant drawback today, the absence of 5G on the iPhone X doesn’t render it obsolete overnight. Here’s why:
The current global rollout of 5G is still expanding, with many regions offering mixed coverage alongside existing LTE networks. In areas where LTE is strong and reliable, users will notice minimal difference in day-to-day internet usage on an iPhone X compared to newer models.
However, as carriers begin to phase out older networks or prioritize bandwidth for 5G users, those relying solely on LTE devices might experience slower speeds or reduced network quality over time.
Moreover, certain applications that benefit from ultra-low latency or extremely high throughput—such as cloud gaming or augmented reality—may perform better on devices with native 5G support.
Battery Life Considerations
Interestingly, while newer phones support faster networks like 5G, they often consume more power when connected to these networks due to increased signal processing demands. The iPhone X’s lack of a power-hungry 5G modem can mean more consistent battery life under heavy cellular use compared to some early-generation 5G phones.
Still, this advantage may diminish as apps evolve to leverage faster data speeds unavailable on older devices.
Comparing Network Features: iPhone X vs Newer Models
To provide a clearer picture of how network capabilities have evolved since the iPhone X, here’s a comparison table highlighting key cellular features across several Apple models:
| Model | Release Year | Network Support |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone X | 2017 | 4G LTE Advanced (Cat-16) |
| iPhone XR/XS/XS Max | 2018 | 4G LTE Advanced (Cat-16) |
| iPhone 11 Series | 2019 | 4G LTE Advanced (Cat-18) |
| iPhone 12 Series | 2020 | 4G LTE + Sub-6 GHz & mmWave 5G |
| iPhone 13 Series & Later | 2021+ | Enhanced Sub-6 GHz & mmWave 5G + Wi-Fi6E Support |
This table clearly illustrates that true integration of both sub-6 GHz and mmWave-based 5G began only with the iPhone 12 lineup.
The Software Angle: Can Updates Enable 5G on iPhone X?
Some users wonder if software updates might unlock hidden hardware potential for faster networks. Unfortunately, this isn’t feasible for several reasons:
- No physical modem upgrade: The existing modems inside iPhone X lack necessary hardware components for decoding and transmitting on new frequencies used by 5G.
- No firmware support: Even if theoretically possible, Apple has not released any firmware updates enabling NR standards on older modems.
- Antenna design limitations: Effective use of mmWave bands requires multiple antennas placed strategically within phones; these are absent in older designs like the iPhone X.
Therefore, no amount of software tinkering will make an iPhone X connect to genuine standalone or non-standalone (NSA) forms of modern mobile broadband beyond its LTE capabilities.
The Evolution Path: From iPhone X to Modern Connectivity Standards
Apple’s journey from introducing Face ID in the iPhone X to integrating full-fledged multi-band 5G modems took three years. This progression reflects broader industry trends where wireless standards evolve rapidly but require substantial R&D investment.
The introduction of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 modem in the iPhone 12 series enabled Apple to finally enter the race for next-gen cellular tech. This modem supports both sub-6 GHz bands popular worldwide and mmWave bands used primarily in North America.
Apple also optimized antenna placement and power management circuits to accommodate these new frequencies without compromising battery life or device form factor—a significant engineering challenge.
User Experience Differences Between LTE and 5G Networks
While speeds are often highlighted as key advantages of switching from LTE to 5G, other factors shape user experience:
- Latency: Typical latency drops from around ~30 milliseconds on LTE down to ~10 milliseconds or less on some forms of low-band mmWave-based NR.
- Capacity: Networks can handle more simultaneous connections without congestion during peak hours.
- Bands & Coverage: Early-stage rollouts mean spotty coverage; however sub-6 GHz bands offer better range but lower peak speeds compared to mmWave.
- Ecosystem Integration: Newer apps increasingly optimize streaming quality based on available bandwidth which benefits from consistent high-speed access.
For an iPhone X owner relying solely on LTE connectivity, these improvements remain out of reach until an upgrade occurs.
The Practical Reality: Should You Upgrade Your Device?
If you’re using an iPhone X today and wondering about upgrading purely for network speed reasons tied to “Is Apple Iphone 10 5G Compatible?”, consider these factors:
If your current carrier has robust LTE coverage where you live and work—and your daily tasks don’t require ultra-high-speed downloads or low-latency gaming—sticking with your phone may be perfectly fine for now.
If you frequently stream high-definition video while commuting through major urban centers with active mmWave deployments or want future-proofing against network evolution over next few years—then moving up to at least an iPhone model supporting sub-6 GHz or full mmWave is advisable.
Your budget also matters; newer models come at premium prices but offer longer software support cycles alongside improved cameras, processors, battery life, and security features beyond just connectivity enhancements.
Key Takeaways: Is Apple Iphone 10 5G Compatible?
➤ iPhone X does not support 5G connectivity.
➤ It only supports up to 4G LTE networks.
➤ 5G was introduced in later iPhone models starting 12.
➤ Users need newer models for faster 5G speeds.
➤ Check carrier compatibility for optimal network use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple iPhone 10 5G compatible?
No, the Apple iPhone 10 (iPhone X) is not 5G compatible. It was released before 5G technology became mainstream and only supports 4G LTE networks.
Why doesn’t the Apple iPhone 10 support 5G networks?
The iPhone 10 lacks the necessary hardware, such as a 5G modem and advanced antenna design, required to access 5G networks. Its modem supports only LTE Advanced standards.
Can a software update make the Apple iPhone 10 5G compatible?
No software update can enable 5G on the iPhone 10 because its hardware, including the modem chip, does not support the new radio frequencies and protocols used by 5G.
Which Apple iPhone model first supported 5G?
The first Apple iPhone model to officially support 5G was the iPhone 12 series, released in late 2020, featuring new modems designed for 5G connectivity.
How does the lack of 5G affect Apple iPhone 10 users?
iPhone 10 users cannot benefit from faster speeds and lower latency offered by 5G. However, they still have access to fast and reliable 4G LTE networks worldwide.