Apple’s decision to expand support for private 5G networks on iPhones and iPads reflects their growth for businesses worldwide. This strategic move by Apple is aimed at providing businesses worldwide with enhanced connectivity options and tailored network solutions to meet their specific needs.
How Does the New Functionality Work?
The introduction of this new functionality means that devices running iOS 17 and above, including iPhones 13 and more recent models, as well as iPads operating iPadOS 17, can now seamlessly operate within private 5G networks. However, it’s worth noting that iPhone 12 models will only work with Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the United States and with LTE and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) networks, excluding 5G Standalone (SA) networks. Apple also advises that compatibility may vary depending on the iPhone and iPad model and the country or region where the device is sold.
Apple has ensured that its new operating system requires either an eSIM or a physical SIM to be explicitly provisioned for private network use. These SIMs will utilize a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile Network Code (MNC) designated for private network purposes. The ITU standard MCC 999 serves as the identifier for private cellular networks and can be used with any MNC. Moreover, countries like Germany, Sweden, and the United States (for CBRS) have additional private network identifier assignments.
Apple also offers enterprises the ability to assign specific network slices to managed apps on a carrier’s 5G SA network. This ability allows designated managed apps to route all their traffic through a specified Data Network Name (DNN) associated with a particular network slice.
Significant New Features: Prioritization and Geofencing
With these new capabilities, organizations gain more control over their network preferences. They can prioritize cellular over Wi-Fi when both options are available and choose which services operate on each network. This flexibility empowers businesses to optimize their network usage according to their specific requirements.
Another notable feature is the introduction of geofencing functionality, which allows devices with a single SIM on an iPhone to seamlessly switch between a public network and a private LTE or 5G network based on their location within a specified geographical region. Geofences can be set with a radius ranging from 100 to 6500 meters, and each private network can have up to 1,000 associated geofences.
Why is Apple’s Announcement Important?
With more than 1,100 private networks worldwide per the GSA’s most recent report and nearly half (44%) either 5G or hybrid LTE/5G, the importance of Apple’s announcement cannot be overstated. The popularity of Apple’s user devices is considerable, and the removal of a possible impediment in the eyes of enterprise decision-makers is significant. The widespread popularity of Apple’s iPhones and iPads should alleviate concerns for enterprises, as they will have less worry about device compatibility when considering the adoption of a private cellular network.
Conclusion
Apple’s expanded support for private 5G networks brings new capabilities and functionalities to iPhones and iPads. This advancement reinforces the growing importance given to the deployment of private LTE and 5G networks and should accelerate their deployments worldwide.
