Apple has never been known to embrace new technologies. They are in the habit of waiting it out, refining the technology, seeing if the market is indeed ready and then introducing it. As per a report by Bloomberg, it appears that Apple will be playing the waiting game once more when it comes to introducing their first 5G iPhone as sources have suggested that the first iPhone with 5G will come out in late 2020.
People familiar with the matter claim Apple will follow its previous mobile tech adoption scheme where they had postponed adding 3G and 4G in their iPhones much after the new technology was already available in the market. This could potentially be beneficial for Apple’s rivals, Samsung and Huawei as they are believed to readying the launch of their first 5G smartphones as soon as the 5G mobile standard becomes commercially available in 2019.
The report states, “The leap from 4G to 5G is significant enough that it may become a major selling point for new devices. Samsung plans to have 5G phones in its Galaxy range next year. And in China -- the largest market for smartphones -- major producers Oppo and Huawei Technologies Co. also have indicated they plan to offer 5G phones."
The report also adds that Apple’s delay could be due to its legal problems with Qualcomm who happen to be the leader in 5G solutions as well as Intel’s decision to delay the launch of 5G chipsets.
Mark Hung, a Gartner analyst said, “Apple has always been a laggard in cellular technology. They weren’t impacted in the past, but 5G is going to be much easier to market. But if they wait beyond 2020, then I think they’ll be impacted.”
Recently Samsung announced the release of its first commercial 5G smartphone in partnership with Verizon and it will be launched in the first half of 2019.
Samsung’s 5G smartphone will include the "upcoming flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile Platform with the Snapdragon X50 5G NR modem and antenna modules"
