Apple: iPhone 12 & 5G

After the introduction of 5G network, Apple rode into the wave and introduced their very own 5G-enabled smartphone.

What is 5G?

5G is simply the fifth generation cellular network. A new global wireless standard after 4G. It is a set of technical ground rules that define the workings of a cellular network, including the radio frequencies used and how various components like computer chips and antennas handle radio signals and exchange data.

The new generation tech- 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices. It is meant to deliver up to 20 Gigabits-per-second peak data rates and 100 Mbps average data rates.

The 5G started rolling out in 2019 and gained momentum this year with Androids releasing 5G enabled phones 

iPhone 12 x 5G

Last month, apple released its new model iPhones which were all built with the next gen 5G technology.

The iPhone 12 series- 12, 12 pro, 12 pro max and the 12 mini all came with the 5G cellular connectivity. 

As usual, Apple isn’t the first to launch new technology, but once it starts, it tends to rule and build the market in ways other brands can't. This is expected to happen with 5G, which industry observers think could boost iPhone demand. It's a clear way for Apple to differentiate its new devices from its older models, as well as spark new innovations and services that mines into high speeds and the quick responsiveness 5G offers.

The fuss  about 5G rekindled just after the release of iPhone 12 and as expected the “Apple effect” has been awakened. The $699-$1,099 phones are currently on sale and as expected will become the top 5G phone vendors in the world. The superfast millimeter wave 5G connectivity is only available in US models. (Verizon is the technology's main proponent.) That's the ultrahigh-speed connectivity that makes 4G seem compact. There's a serious downside to mm Wave, though: The signals have trouble going through walls, and they can get blocked by trees, buildings and other items. 

The most noticeable improvement with 5G over what the iPhone offers today is faster connectivity, hence, 5G can run faster than your typical 4G cellular connection, making downloads and video streaming faster than ever. 

Importantly, 5G's latency, the amount of time between when your phone pings the network and when the network responds is much faster than what 4G and even Wi-Fi provide. In the future, we expect to be able to do a lot on our mobile devices and nearly instantaneously. For the iPhone, Apple included a new lidar sensor in its new iPhone 12 Pro models, which can be used for better autofocus. This, takes advantage of the 5G’s high speeds and low latency.

However, 5G has an issue of short battery life span and overheating which iPhone has tried to curb by introducing the smart data mode. This enables users alternate between 4G and 5G. 5G switches automatically when it needs to process high definition data after which, switches back to 4G to conserve battery. 5G is available in many countries around the globe with mmWave only- majorly includes China and the US. That said, the 5G iPhones will still connect to 4G networks, and the iPhone 12 series utilize the fastest 4G connectivity available. Your phone could be faster even if it doesn't access 5G networks. 

5G has the ability to alter not just phones. It has huge inference for robots, cars, health devices, retail and nearly every industry you can think of. 5G can link streetlights and other devices that haven't been connected to the internet before, with universal sensors constantly talking to each other. Emergency responders will be able to do more on the scene of an accident.

When it comes to Apple, 5G could be important for its long-awaited augmented reality glasses. AR overlays digital images on the real world using special headsets or your phone. Many of the early examples of popular AR applications include games like Pokemon Go or filters and lenses that go over your face on Instagram and Snapchat.

Nonetheless, While Apple and the carriers will do all they can to make sure 5G works, it's not up to them to make us want it. Ultimately, it will be up to developers and what they actually do with 5G that will make it a must-have.