Apple has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin testing 5G wireless technology for potential use in future iPhone models.
One of the main anticipated benefits of 5G is significantly lower latency, which could enable a wide range of new applications and improve existing services.
Apple is often observed waiting for a technology category to mature before redefining it with its own products—the iPhone and iPad are prime examples. Still, in key areas it makes sure to stay at the forefront, and 5G is no exception.
In its recent filing with the FCC, Apple stated: “Apple Inc. seeks to assess cellular link performance in direct path and multipath environments between base station transmitters and receivers using this spectrum.” The company added that “these assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks.”
Apple plans to conduct tests at two sites in Milpitas, California: one on Yosemite Drive and another on Mariani Avenue, the latter notable as the location of Apple’s original headquarters.
Speculation has arisen that Apple’s decision to perform its own 5G research is influenced by its ongoing legal disputes with Qualcomm, though Apple’s filing focuses on technical assessments rather than legal motivations.
Testing will target the 28 GHz and 39 GHz frequency bands, which the FCC approved for commercial 5G use last year. These millimeter-wave bands are a key part of early 5G deployments because they can support very high data rates and low latency over shorter distances.
Results from Apple’s tests may provide valuable engineering insights into how future iPhones might perform on carrier 5G networks, but the company’s historically secretive approach suggests it may share limited public detail.
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