What is the oldest iPhone that will work on 5G?

The oldest iPhones with 5G are the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, launched in October 2020; these were the first models to feature 5G, supporting both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands (in the US) for broad coverage and faster speeds. Before the iPhone 12 series, all models, including the iPhone 11 and SE (2nd gen), were LTE-only.

What is the oldest iPhone that supports 5G?

The iPhone 12 is the earliest iPhone model to still have coverage at 5G speeds.

Can the iPhone 11 get 5G?

No, the iPhone 11 cannot get 5G because it lacks the necessary hardware; 5G support only began with the iPhone 12 series and newer models. While your iPhone 11 will still work great on 4G LTE networks, you'll need to upgrade to an iPhone 12 or newer for 5G connectivity, along with a 5G-enabled plan and carrier support.
 

Which iPhones are 5G compatible?

All iPhone models from the iPhone 12 series (including 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max) onward support 5G, extending through the iPhone 13, 14, 15, and current iPhone 17 ranges, as well as the 2022 iPhone SE. Older models, like the iPhone 11 and earlier, are limited to 4G LTE and do not support 5G networks.
 

Is the iPhone 10 having 5G?

No, the iPhone X is not 5G compatible; it only supports 4G LTE networks because it lacks the necessary hardware for 5G, with Apple introducing 5G support starting with the iPhone 12 lineup. While some carriers might display a "5Ge" icon (like AT&T's "5G Evolution"), that's just a faster form of 4G LTE, not true 5G, and you need an iPhone 12 or newer for actual 5G speeds.
 

The Oldest iPhone You Should Buy! (2025)

Is my iPhone too old for 5G?

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

Is the iPhone 6s 5G?

No, the iPhone 6s does not support 5G; it is limited to 4G LTE, as 5G capability in iPhones began with the iPhone 12 series and newer models, requiring specific hardware for the faster cellular networks. While you might see "5G" on older iPhones through carrier tricks, it's just a cosmetic change to the network indicator and doesn't provide actual 5G speeds or functionality.
 

Can I make my phone 5G compatible?

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network, then select Preferred Network Type or Network Mode. If 5G is listed among the options, your device supports it. If not, your phone likely doesn't allow you to switch to 5G. Alternatively, you can check your phone's specifications online or in the user manual.

Is it worth upgrading for 5G?

It depends on your needs, budget, and 5G coverage in your area. If you live in a city with strong 5G networks, upgrading provides faster speeds, lower latency, and smoother performance for HD streaming, gaming, or large downloads.

Is the iPhone 11 too old for 5G?

Does iPhone 11 support 5G? Unfortunately, the iPhone 11 line-ups are not 5G compatible just like all previous iPhone models. If you are looking for a 5G phone, read our article where we have listed the best 5G compatible phones to look out for.

What year will the iPhone 11 stop working?

Apple doesn't announce official end-of-support dates, but the iPhone 11 (released 2019) is expected to receive major iOS updates through iOS 26 (Fall 2025) and potentially security updates into 2026 or 2027, aligning with Apple's typical 6-7 year support cycle, though support for the latest iOS version may end sooner, possibly with iOS 27, say Orchard Pre-Owned Smartphones and Macworld. 

Why does my phone say LTE instead of 5G?

Your phone shows LTE instead of 5G because you're either in an area with weak 5G, your settings prioritize battery (5G Auto), your carrier lacks robust 5G, your plan doesn't support it, or you're using features like a VPN. It's a normal switch for better coverage or battery, but you can check settings to force 5G (if available) or ensure your carrier and device are provisioned for it. 

Is 5G really faster than 4G?

Yes, 5G is significantly faster than 4G, offering much higher potential speeds (Gbps vs. Mbps), lower latency (milliseconds), and greater capacity, though real-world speeds depend on location, provider, and device, with 5G enabling smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and supporting more connected devices than 4G LTE. 

Which iPhones are obsolete?

Obsolete iPhones are models Apple no longer services or sells parts for, including the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and the original iPhone SE, with others like the iPhone 6s (32GB) recently joining the list; these devices lose crucial security updates and app compatibility, impacting their function and security over time, though they may still work for basic tasks. 

What is the earliest iPhone that has 5G?

Apple's first 5G-enabled iPhones were the iPhone 12 series, launched in October 2020, which included the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, ushering in a new era of faster cellular speeds for Apple users.
 

Is my phone too old for 5G?

How to check: Check Manufacturer Information: Visit the manufacturer's website or contact support to verify your phone's 5G capabilities. Review Device Specifications: Look for 5G network compatibility and supported bands in your phone's specifications.

Can an old phone connect to 5G?

5G also uses advanced communication protocols called 5G New Radio (5G NR). Older devices simply don't have the internal components to use these signals. Unlike a computer program that can sometimes be updated, a phone's modem is firmly hardwired.

How to convert LTE to 5G?

To switch from LTE to 5G, go to your phone's Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Cellular Data Options/Connections > Voice & Data/Network Mode, then select "5G Auto," "5G On," or a mode including "5G," ensuring your phone and plan support it for faster speeds, though '5G Auto' balances speed and battery best. 

Is it better to use 5G or LTE?

Yes, 5G is significantly better than LTE in terms of speed, latency, and capacity, offering much faster downloads (Gbps vs. Mbps) and near-instant responsiveness crucial for advanced applications like AR/VR and gaming, but LTE remains more reliably widespread for basic tasks like calls and browsing, as 5G coverage is still growing and can drain battery faster. 

Can older iPhones get 5G?

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G mobile networks of certain network providers.

What can I do with an old iPhone 6s?

You can repurpose your old iPhone 6s as a dedicated music player, security camera/baby monitor, digital photo frame, or smart home remote, or you can trade it in, sell it, donate it to charity (like Cell Phones for Soldiers), or recycle it with Apple Trade In for eco-friendly disposal, but always back it up and factory reset it first to protect your data. 

Did the iPhone 7 have 5G?

No, the iPhone 7 is not 5G compatible; it only supports up to 4G LTE, as it lacks the necessary internal 5G antenna and modem hardware, with 5G support starting with the iPhone 12 series and newer models. While it uses 4G/LTE for data, you need an iPhone 12 or later for true 5G connectivity, and older models like the iPhone 7 are increasingly affected by network changes as carriers phase out older technologies like 3G.
 

Will my iPhone 6 still work in 2025?

Yes, an iPhone 6 will physically "work" in 2025 for basic tasks like calls, texts, and some apps, but it's very outdated, runs old iOS (iOS 12), lacks modern security, and many newer apps (like WhatsApp in May 2025) no longer support it, making it slow, limited, and insecure for most users, with the 6s model being a slightly better but still poor choice.