Apple IPhone Network Bands: A Comprehensive Guide

Apple iPhones support different network bands depending on the model, region, and carrier. This mainly covers 5G, LTE/4G, 3G, and 2G networks. Here is a detailed analysis based on official information and third - party research.

 

I. Support Range of Different Network Standards

1. 5G Network

Supported Bands: It includes n1 (2100 MHz), n2 (1900 MHz), n3 (1800 MHz), n5 (850 MHz), n7 (2600 MHz), n38 (TD 2600), n41 (TD 2500), n77 (TD 3700), n78 (TD 3500), etc., covering mainstream 5G bands globally.

Model Requirements: iPhone 12 series and later models (such as iPhone 13/14/15/16) all support 5G. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is also 5G - compatible.

2. LTE/4G Network

Supported Bands: It covers FDD - LTE (such as bands 1/3/5/7/8) and TDD - LTE (such as bands 38/40/41/42). Specific models from iPhone 5s to the latest ones support some bands. However, full - band coverage requires iPhone 6 and later models.

3. 3G/2G Network

3G (WCDMA/UMTS): iPhone 5s to iPhone 11 series support it. China Unicom users should note that some older models (such as iPhone 5c) may be limited to specific bands.

2G (GSM): iPhone 5s to iPhone 14 series all support it. But some countries are gradually shutting down 2G networks.

 

II. Regional and Model Differences

Chinese - Version Models: Optimized for local carriers. For example:

China Mobile: iPhone 12 and above models support its 5G network (n41/n79 bands).

China Unicom/China Telecom: You need to choose models that support n1/n78 and other bands, such as iPhone 13/14 series.

International - Version Models: For example, the US - version iPhone 16 Pro (model A3083) supports more high - frequency millimeter - wave bands (such as n258/n261), but the Chinese - version does not have this configuration.

 

III. How to Check the Bands Supported by Your Phone

Official Query: Enter the specific model (such as A2896 corresponding to iPhone 14 Pro Max) on the Apple official website to obtain a detailed band list.

Check in Settings: Go to "Settings > General > About This iPhone" to view the model, and then compare it with the official website information.

Third - Party Tools: Use apps like "CellInfo" to monitor the currently connected bands in real - time.

 

IV. Carrier Compatibility Recommendations

China Mobile: iPhone 12 and above models are recommended to ensure support for n41/n79 and other main 5G bands.

China Unicom/China Telecom: Give priority to iPhone 13/14/16 series, which cover n1/n78 and other core bands.

International Roaming: You need to confirm whether the phone supports local bands (such as n28/n20 in Europe, n66/n71 in the US).

 

V. Other Precautions

Wi - Fi and Cellular Collaboration: The iPhone 16 series supports Wi - Fi 7 (the 6 GHz band is not available in mainland China), improving the efficiency of multi - network switching.

Private Network Support: iOS 17 and above versions can connect to private 5G/LTE networks via eSIM, but carrier - coordinated configuration is required.

For a complete band list of specific models or regions, you can refer to the [Apple official support page](https://support.apple.com/en - us/118630) or contact your local carrier to confirm compatibility.