iPhone 12 owners can now download iOS updates over 5G, if they turn this option on

Here's one tangible benefit of 5G on the iPhone 12.
 By 
Stan Schroeder
 on 
iPhone 12 owners can now download iOS updates over 5G, if they turn this option on
Here's one tangible benefit of 5G. Credit: Apple

Here's one more benefit of having an iPhone 12, Apple's first phone to support 5G: You can finally download iOS updates without being connected to a Wi-Fi network.

However, you do need to turn one option on to make this happen. Per Apple's support document on 5G (via MacRumors), you need to go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options, and tick the option that says "Allow More Data on 5G".

After you've done that, you'll be able to get iOS updates over a cellular network. And that's not the only benefit: You'll also get higher-quality FaceTime calls, high-definition content on Apple TV, and the same on Apple Music songs and videos. Nice.


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Of course, have in mind that this will consume more data, so make sure your carrier plan supports it (without penalties). Also, this is obvious, but you need to actually be connected to a 5G network for this to work; if you're connected to an LTE network, the iOS updates won't download over cellular — even if you have this option on.

The two other available settings are Standard, which users standard quality settings for video and FaceTime and allows for automatic updates and background tasks over cellular. Finally, there's the Low Data Mode, which pauses automatic updates and background tasks to save data, both on Wi-Fi and cellular.

The document also confirms reports that 5G is currently not supported in Dual SIM mode, except in China.

"While using two lines in Dual SIM mode, 5G data isn't supported on either line and will fall back to 4G LTE. In China, 5G data is supported while using two active lines in Dual SIM mode on the line that's using cellular data," the document says.

A Verizon document claims the U.S. will get 5G support when using Dual SIM mode through a software update "later this year."

Topics Apple iPhone

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.

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