5G+ is slowly progressing in France, but not for all smartphones. Free Mobile has already activated this technology on many Android models. iPhones, however, are still lagging behind.
The 5G deployment in France has entered a new phase with the arrival of 5G SA, also known as 5G+. Unlike the “classic”, which still relies on a 4G infrastructure, this so-called “standalone” version relies on a dedicated network core. It promises better performance, reduced latency and stronger encryption. Free was the first operator to launch this technology in France in September 2024, thus taking a head start on its competitors.
Since this launch, Free Mobile has activated 5G SA on more than a hundred Android models, notably at Samsung with the Galaxy S25 or at Xiaomi with the 14T Pro released at the end of 2024. But iPhones are still excluded from the list. No Apple device can currently benefit from 5G+, even though recent models are technically compatible. The operator indicates that it has sent all the necessary files to the brand, but validation times remain long. The latter requires extensive testing, conducted internally, which generally takes between six months and a year.
Free could activate 5G+ on iPhones in the spring thanks to an iOS update
According to indiscretions reported by Numerama, compatibility iPhones with 5G SA could be activated by summer. The iOS 18.5 update, expected between May and June 2025, would be the most likely to integrate this new feature. An alternative remains possible with a specific operator update, which only Apple can deploy. The iOS 18.4 version, expected in early April, is not yet expected to include 5G+. Free has not confirmed no specific date, but hopes for a launch in the coming weeks.
Once 5G SA is available on iPhone, Free Mobile plans to expand its offering for professionals. The operator wants to offer a more efficient network via Free Pro, with services adapted to the needs of businesses. This strategy aims to make 5G+ a lever for both the general public and for professional uses. In the meantime, the company maintains its lead in the French market, where Orange is just beginning to extend SA to a few compatible smartphones.
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