The next version of the iOS operating system will enable a toggle for 5G standalone services.
The first developer beta of iOS 16.4 adds a new feature that would enable 5G standalone (SA). 5G SA is a network architecture that operates independently of existing LTE networks, allowing for various improvements over non-standalone networks.
Standalone 5G is yet to be rolled out in most countries. Earlier this year, Orange Spain unveiled the launch of its standalone network which it calls “5G+”. The mobile operator is rolling out its SA network in select cities.
In the US, the operator T-Mobile is the only carrier that has rolled out SA 5G. The operator says its 5G SA carrier aggregation technology allows it to achieve 3 Gbps speeds by merging multiple channels of mid-band 5G spectrum.
