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

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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.

Related Roundups: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
Tag: 5G
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 12 (Neutral), iPhone 12 Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Goldfrapp Avatar
Goldfrapp
7 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)
SumYoungGai Avatar
SumYoungGai
7 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: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macintologist Avatar
macintologist
7 months ago
Why would any sane person blow past your data caps for an iOS update?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Puonti Avatar
Puonti
7 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: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IlluminatedSage Avatar
IlluminatedSage
7 months ago
Will iOS allow users to turn off 5G like it does LTE? Many consumers are worried about health risks from 5G
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Radeon85 Avatar
Radeon85
7 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)
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