Apple has been granted permission to begin tests that are likely to result in an iPhone 5G.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Apple’s request to begin testing millimeter wave board band technology in California, per DSL Reports.
The tech uses the 28GHz and 39GHz bands that have been earmarked for future commercial 5G networks.
However, millimeter wave technology is considered advantageous because it reduces latency while offering a higher data transmission capacity.
While this seems like a win-win, there are lingering question marks over line-of-site, which may affect the suitablility for commercial use.
The tech is currently being tested by US mobile carriers, Facebook and Google, among other interested parties.
While Apple will eventually rely on the network carriers to provide 5G data, the tests could affect development of future chips that sit within its smartphones and tablets.
The request to the FCC, made two months ago, stated: “Apple Inc. seeks to assess cellular link performance in direct path and multipath environments between base station transmitters and receivers using this spectrum.
“These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks.”
The company’s test license lasts until August next year.
The 5G future
Earlier this year it emerged that Samsung is working with Verizon in the United States on a 5G network that has already achieved multi-gigabit speeds in testing.
We’re still unsure when 5G speeds might actually become a reality, but it’s unlikely to be before 2020.
In February, the UK government pledged millions to assist with the development of the next-gem mobile data speeds in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the 4G farce.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.