Why is Apple Delaying iPhone 5G Support in Pakistan Until 2027?

Apple users for some Telecom networks in Pakistan, if not all, may have to wait until 2027 for official 5G support on iPhones, according to widespread reports.

Reports have emerged that officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecom said Apple has informed Pakistani authorities about its plans to enable 5G services for iPhone users in 2027. The company reportedly wants to review Pakistan’s market size before fully activating the feature.

At present, Apple has not officially enabled 5G support for Pakistani iPhone users through its carrier settings system. Industry experts explained that Apple does not directly control 5G hardware on iPhones. Instead, the company manages a carrier settings bundle through iOS updates. This small update tells iPhones which local telecom networks support 5G and unlocks the option under Cellular Data settings.

The process is standard in every new 5G market. Telecom operators first apply for approval, complete technical testing, and receive certification from Apple. After that, Apple adds support for the network through its software updates.

Although there may still be good news for Apple users in Pakistan. 5G access could still happen way earlier than feared by these conservative estimates.

Meanwhile, as reported earlier, Zong has already completed this process for its 5G network. As a result, iPhones from the iPhone 12 series and newer models can technically access Zong’s 5G network where the service is available. Officials said the company has fulfilled all technical requirements needed for iPhone compatibility. They added that Apple’s approval system remains the final step for broader public rollout in Pakistan. It seems unlikely that Zong users would have to wait for the next seven months to access the 5G services on their iPhones, and more likely that they can access them before 2027.

Meanwhile, Apple is still evaluating Pakistan’s smartphone market before officially expanding support. Heavy taxes on imported smartphones, especially iPhones, have reduced Apple’s market size in the country. However, Samsung smartphones already support 5G services in Pakistan.

Earlier this year, the government auctioned 5G spectrum worth $507 million in March. The goal was to improve internet speed and mobile service quality nationwide. Since then, some telecom operators have started offering 5G internet services in selected areas where testing equipment is already active.

The government sold 480 MHz of spectrum during the auction, despite an original target of 597 MHz. Three telecom operators, Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, secured spectrum for next-generation mobile services.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the auction included two lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2,300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2,600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3,500 MHz band. In total, authorities sold 480 MHz of spectrum.

Jazz emerged as the biggest buyer during the auction after securing 190 MHz of spectrum. The operator acquired 50 MHz in the 3,500 MHz band, 70 MHz in the 2,600 MHz band, 50 MHz in the 2,300 MHz band, and 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band.

Telecom industry officials also confirmed that operators have already placed orders for equipment required for the nationwide rollout of 5G services in Pakistan.

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