Sorry for Samsung, Verizon, T-Mobile, and everyone else in the mobile industry trying to make 5G a thing. The next generation of wireless technology still needs a cheerleader to prevail. Fortunately, Apple is just around the corner with that iPhone 12that the company likely will on October 13th. (Here is Everything you need to know about iPhone 12 and 5G.)
If this were another year, 5G would already be a lot bigger business. After a mixed start in 20195G coverage has improved, the number of devices - including Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 - has grown and annoying network compatibility issues have largely been resolved. Apple is next Flagship iPhone that is widely expected to support 5G, would serve as a sealer for a year of the 5G excitement.
For more of that
Subscribe to the mobile newsletter, receive notifications and see related articles on CNET.
Of course, it's anything but a normal year. The Coronavirus pandemic kept millions in their homes, negating the need for high-speed wireless access on the go. Millions of jobs lost and an uncertain economy medium 5G devices with premium price are more inaccessible than they should be.
Step inside Apple and its uncanny ability to frenzy consumers the latest technology that competitors have already adopted (Think about wireless charging in the iPhone 8). In these dire times, something like an Apple event offers a rare ray of hope.
5G, meanwhile, could use a shot in the arm and Apple's ability to generate a lot of excitement. As more consumers become involved in these new networks, these network operators will have more experience handling higher demand so they can solve the problems and ultimately provide smoother and faster service. More and more people using 5G phones are driving the industry to bring out leaner, more energy efficient, and less expensive slave devices - just like they did with 4G.
Widespread adoption is also key to figuring out the killer app for 5G, which even after more than a year has yet to really show up. Keep in mind that services like Uber or Livestreaming didn't catch on until 4G matured - but with the previous generation, you could at least point to a big jump in speed from 3G. Nationwide 5G speed is only slightly better.
"For all the stance of the major airlines saying they have 5G coverage, I still need to speak to someone (who can) explain why they need to have 5G unless it's new," said Ramon Llamas, an analyst at IDC.
The need for more acceptance but the lack of a killer app is a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma that Apple could bring a solution to.
After all, analysts believe that after the iPhone 12 is launched, it will become the second-largest seller of 5G devices almost immediately, overtaking Samsung, which has been in the game for more than a year.
Despite the pandemic, many consumers will be looking to upgrade to a new iPhone - some of them to future proof themselves for the rise of 5G. Most understand that 5G may not affect them right now, but it could be more beneficial down the line - even if they don't already know exactly what it is.
Apple has done it before, whether it's wireless charging, mobile payment, or wide-angle cameras. These features, often used in competing phones years ago, suddenly become must-have items as soon as they're available on the iPhone.
"Apple has to bring a 5G iPhone to market because customers buy phones that will last for years," said Maribel Lopez, an analyst at Lopez Research. "Most customers don't want to buy a phone today and believe that in six months it will be completely out of date."
Apple does not comment on speculation about possible future products.
Complete the picture
Ask carriers about the potential impact of the iPhone and they will plead ignorance for fear of Apple's anger. Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, offered the opportunity to retire in an interview with CNET's The Daily Charge Podcast According to the Company Un-carrier event in July.
"A dream of ours would be, wouldn't it be great if we got out of essentially all flagship devices this year that are not only compatible with 5G, but also compatible with our particular approach to 5G?"
Jeff McEflresh, CEO of AT&T Communications, saw demand surge in the fall.
"In the past few years we've seen fewer people upgrade their phones. However, as more and more major manufacturers launch their 5G-enabled devices, we expect increased demand during a busy fall and holiday season," he said in a per E -Mail sent statement. "We're also campaigning for a range of awards to help more consumers get fast, reliable connectivity."
Ronan Dunne, CEO of Verizon Wireless, noted that there are more than 5.4 million 5G cell phones in use in the US, and more than half of them are on the Verizon network. "This is starting to get real," Dunne said last week at the 5G World virtual fair, according to Light Reading.
Neither company would pronounce the word iPhone, but it's clear that thanks to Apple, they are preparing for a huge wave of demand for 5G.
X factor of the iPhone 12
The porters better be ready. As CNET editor Patrick Holland notes in his column, the marquee function of Apple's new iPhone will no longer be in his hands and will have control of Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. who have very different experiences when it comes to 5G.
T-Mobile offers the broadest coverage of 5G, but uses a low-band frequency of the spectrum that is only a little better than 4G. In addition, a faster medium-range range was introduced in 81 markets.
AT&T now has a nationwide network of low-band frequencies, as well as bags called millimeter waves, which offer insane speeds that the fastest home connection can beat. The downside, however, is the limited range - think of that as a pimped up WiFi hotspot - in select markets.
Verizon is expected to launch its nationwide 5G network later this year and has extensively touted this limited millimeter-wave network in 35 cities. But even in these cities, coverage is in busier city centers and sports venues that are being drained due to the pandemic.
Apple has some control and the question will be whether it will choose to give its iPhone 12 access to all or some of the 5G networks available. Last year's 5G phones were a bad buy as they were often limited to one operator's network or a specific 5G variant. While many of the premium 5G phones launching this year are better and take multiple bands, there are rumors that Apple could save millimeter-wave access for its higher-tier device.
The company will also have control over how it plans to market 5G, whether it should highlight faster downloads or a seamless FaceTime experience. For many who watch the livestream, it's the first time they get a taste of what wireless technology is all about, filtered through the famous Apple varnish.
"The average consumer doesn't know how to judge 5G, they just know that it should be the next best phone," Lopez said.