The iPhone 12 finally uses 5G, but is it really too late?

At the Apple conference this morning, the most exciting news released by Apple was that all new iPhone 12 series support 5G networks and cooperate with Verizon in the United States. After the conference, in addition to praise for Apple, many voices about Apple's slow pace of 5G began to emerge.

Is Apple really slow to say hi to 5G this time?

Those criticizing Apple's 5G rollout believe that other Android manufacturers have already launched 5G-enabled phones two years ago. This year, these phones have all launched 5G, and even some thousand-yuan models have begun to support 5G networks. It is really hard to accept that Apple is only now launching the 5G version of the iPhone 12.

Admittedly, Apple ultimately did not choose to join the 5G network last year, due to both objective reasons and its own subjective strategic considerations.

Objectively, most Android manufacturers use Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, which already have deep support for 5G. However, considering that Apple and Qualcomm have previously been in court over technical issues, even though they have now reached a settlement, in Apple's eyes, developing its own 5G processor is the right path.

Is Apple really slow to say hi to 5G this time?

Last July, Apple officially announced the acquisition of Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion. Through this transaction, Apple will acquire more than 17,000 wireless technology patents from Intel, covering almost all relevant patents from cellular standard protocols to modem architecture and modem operation.

After acquiring the Intel team, Apple "has a team of 1,000 to 1,200 engineers in San Diego who are developing chips for future iPhones." Together with Intel's 2,200 people, Apple's R&D team of more than 3,000 people is unmatched. Obviously, such actions are all showing Apple's determination to develop its own chips.

Is Apple really slow to say hi to 5G this time?

Subjectively, Apple is now joining the 5G family in the hope of waiting for 5G network technology to mature further, especially in terms of its impact on the environment. Over the past two years, Apple has been constantly mentioning its efforts in environmental protection. Now that 5G has officially entered the popularization stage, the popularization of technology has also given Apple more room in other areas.

Apple has finally achieved the pace of many manufacturers two years ago in the field of 5G. In fact, this decision is not slow. However, in the iPhone 12 series of mobile phones, there are still many parts that lag behind the industry, such as this 60Hz refresh rate screen. When the iPhone 13 is launched next year, perhaps we will be able to usher in a screen with a higher refresh rate, and perhaps we will be able to see that Apple has caught up with the trend in many aspects. However, this time Apple's decision on 5G is not slow.