Report: No 5G iPhones next year


Bloomberg is reporting that Apple will not release an iPhone supporting the next generation 5G wireless technology until at least 2020.

As with 3G and 4G, the two previous generations of mobile technology, Apple will wait as long as a year after the initial deployment of the new networks before its main product gets the capability to access them, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing the company’s plans.

Apple’s previous calculations -- proven correct -- were that the new networks and the first versions of rival smartphones would come with problems such as spotty coverage, making consumers less compelled to immediately make the jump. This time, 5G boosters argue the switch is a much bigger speed upgrade, making Apple’s decision to wait riskier. The networks will open the floodgates to new types of mobile computing, 5G advocates say.

The delay could be related to multiple factors, including mature and broad support for the technology in the marketplace. Other factors could be related to ongoing disputes with Qualcomm as Apple shifts its wireless technology to Intel-based chips. Yet another factor could simply be Apple's feature roadmap.

Likely, this won't cause many people to switch away from an iPhone but could slow new adoptions and upgrades in 2019. I think though the carriers will probably drive the desire to upgrade based on rate plans. Data-limits, both metered and throttled, are likely the biggest irritations with customers, which are currently imposed by the carriers and not a technology problem.