News of the official launch of 5G in Pakistan is everywhere. Telecommunication operators are licensed, testing is done and the network is being deployed in major cities. Then, suppose that you are the owner of a premium and 5G-ready Apple product, such as iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15, then you may be thinking: Why does the 5G icon still not appear on my screen?
The next-generation hardware with the 4G/LTE stuck on can be frustrating indeed. Nevertheless, there is an extremely precise, technical explanation of this. And this is a full list of what is wrong with 5G not working on iPhones in Pakistan and what must be changed before you can use it.
Apple’s Carrier Certification Process for 5G
The most prevalent myth is that, when a nation deploys a 5G network, every phone in the 5G mode would automatically connect to the network. This is true to a large extent in the case of Android devices, but Apple does not act the same.
Apple has a stringent Carrier Certification Process. Although a local telecom operator (such as Jazz, Zong, Ufone or Telenor) may have a fully operational 5G network, Apple blocks the 5G functionality of iPhones with software until it officially tests and certifies the network itself.
Network Testing: Apple expects the local carriers to comply with its requirements on battery life, speed, and network stability.
The Software Unlock: When Apple is happy with the performance of the local 5G network, they will issue a Carrier Settings Update which is accompanied by an iOS software update.
The Truth: Your iPhone will aggressively not allow you to exceed 4G/LTE, no matter where you are or what SIM card you have, until Apple pushes this particular update on Pakistani telecom operators.
Other Reasons You Might Not See 5G Yet
In case Apple releases the carrier update and you are still unable to connect, the problem may belong to one of the following categories:
Poor Coverage: During the first phase, 5G is being implemented in limited locations within large cities such as Islamabad. When you are out of these particular areas of coverage, your phone will revert to 4G.
Incorrect iPhone Settings: iPhones are programmed to automatically remain on LTE so as to conserve battery. It may have to be turned on manually by visiting Settings Cellular Cellular Data Options Voice & Data and choosing 5G Auto or 5G On.
SIM or Plan Restrictions: Your mobile carrier may either ask you to increase your current SIM card or subscribe to a particular 5G data plan before access to the new network becomes available.
What Should You Do Next?
At this point, the iPhone users in Pakistan must wait. You will be like this to ensure you are prepared when Apple throws the switch:
Make sure your iPhone is at the most recent iOS release (Settings General Software Update).
Periodically inquire about Carrier Settings updates (Settings > General > About – in case there is an update, there will be a prompt that will appear automatically).
(FAQs)
Which iPhone models support 5G in Pakistan?
Any iPhone model from the iPhone 12 series and newer (including iPhone 13, 14, 15, and the latest SE models) has the built-in hardware to support 5G.
Why does my Android phone have 5G but my iPhone does not?
Android manufacturers generally leave 5G bands unlocked, allowing the phone to connect as soon as the network is live. Apple locks 5G access through software until they officially certify the local telecom operator’s network.
When will Apple enable 5G for Pakistani carriers?
Apple usually enables 5G access a few weeks to a couple of months after a country’s official commercial 5G launch, once their quality and battery testing with local telecoms is complete.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G on my iPhone?
It depends on your carrier. While many 4G SIMs are forward-compatible with 5G, some telecom operators may require you to replace your old SIM with a newer 5G-ready one.
