Apple Introduces Option to Download iOS Updates Over 5G on iPhone 12 Models - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Introduces Option to Download iOS Updates Over 5G on iPhone 12 Models

Apple has introduced the option to download iOS software updates using 5G cellular data on the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, according to a support document published this week.

iphone 12 5g cellular data modes
To download iOS updates over 5G, users will have to enable the "Allow More Data on 5G" mode in the Settings app under Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode. Apple says this mode also enables higher-quality video and FaceTime calls, and allows third-party apps to use more cellular data for enhanced experiences, when connected to 5G networks.

According to an internal Verizon document obtained by MacRumors, the ability to download iOS updates over cellular is limited to 5G iPhones with the "Allow More Data on 5G" mode enabled. On all previous-generation iPhones, and on iPhone 12 models that are connected to an LTE network, downloading iOS updates will still require a Wi-Fi connection.

Apple's support document also confirms that when using iPhone 12 models in Dual SIM mode, 5G is not supported on either line, except in China. Apple plans to enable 5G in Dual SIM mode in other countries later this year.

Tag: 5G
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Waze logo

5 New Waze Features Rolling Out Now: Here Are All the Details

Monday July 13, 2026 3:42 am PDT by
Google today announced that Waze is getting a handful of new features, including some Gemini-powered personalization enhancements for Conversational Reporting. Conversational Reporting already uses Gemini when users report traffic incidents like slowdowns, but now you can use it to suggest map updates like road closures or outdated addresses. Saying something like "The road is closed here"...
Mac Pro Feature Teal

Apple's M7 Ultra Chip Designed to Match a 2019 Mac Pro Feat

Sunday July 12, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple's M7 Ultra chip coming in 2028 is designed to support up to 1.5TB of unified memory, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. However, whether such a configuration is offered may depend on the state of the ongoing memory chip shortage. In 2019, Apple released an Intel-based Mac Pro with up to 1.5TB RAM....
apple silicon 1 feature

Apple Silicon is Taking an Unexpected Turn

Friday July 10, 2026 7:24 am PDT by
Ever since the Mac switched from Intel processors to Apple silicon starting in 2020, each generation of M-series chips has included higher-end Pro and Max variants. If a recent report proves to be accurate, though, that streak will be coming to an end. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will be releasing a regular M6 chip, but it has no plans to offer higher-end M6 Pro and M6 Max...

Top Rated Comments

sniffies Avatar
75 months ago
Download iOS update, lose 51% of battery life, can’t install because battery life is less than 50%
Score: 79 Votes (Like | Disagree)
75 months ago

Why would any sane person blow past your data caps for an iOS update?
People that don't have data caps with an unlimited plan, don't have WiFi nearby and/or have slow WiFi at home?

Also, I'd love to know if iCloud backup is possible over 5G.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
75 months ago

On the AT&T Unlimited Elite plan (their top tiered unlimited plan), after 100GB of use, they will slow your speeds if the network is busy.
You're thinking too small - the United States is really backwater-ish when it comes to mobile internet. There's true unlimited plans elsewhere.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IlluminatedSage Avatar
75 months ago
Will iOS allow users to turn off 5G like it does LTE? Many consumers are worried about health risks from 5G
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
75 months ago
Why would any sane person blow past your data caps for an iOS update?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Radeon85 Avatar
75 months ago
How about allowing more data on every 4G phone and stop blocking any type of data over cellular as an option, suppose my 4G 263mbps down and 63mbps up is too slow :rolleyes:
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)