iPhone 12 launch: 5G searches for a connection with consumers
This report is available to those subscribed to the Digital Consumer module.
Apple recently announced its long awaited 5G iPhones the last of the major smartphone vendors to do so. Operators in the US hoped this would signal to consumers that 5G networks are ready for prime time. Handset rivals wondered if Apple's vaunted consumer-centric approach might unearth a 5G use case with true, mass market appeal. It was also an important moment in the ongoing rollout of 5G networks, as up until this point US consumers have largely been ambivalent about upgrading to 5G.
While the new iPhone offers users several compelling reasons to upgrade, Apple did not demonstrate a clear value proposition for 5G beyond the speed increase. Apple's embracing of 5G is significant for the industry as a whole, but the success of the new iPhones will depend more on features other than 5G - and whether consumers faced with economic headwinds see value in upgrading.
Related research
Industry Checkpoint: consumer eSIM, Q3 2025
As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer eSIM, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications.
Consumer eSIM: device and MNO service trackers, and adoption forecast to 2030
With eSIM adoption set to accelerate from 2026, this tracker provides data that can be used to formulate or adjust eSIM commercial strategies and offers.
Connectivity trends in robotics: 5G and cellular IoT are only just emerging
From a telecoms perspective, robotics was recognised early on as a key future use case during the planning and rollout of 5G around seven years ago. With 5G-Advanced now commercially deployed in early-adopter countries, it is timely to evaluate 5G’s real-world impact on robotics. We also explore how complementary technologies such as edge computing, IoT and eSIM are shaping the connectivity landscape.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Industry Checkpoint: consumer eSIM, Q3 2025
As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer eSIM, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications.
Consumer eSIM: device and MNO service trackers, and adoption forecast to 2030
With eSIM adoption set to accelerate from 2026, this tracker provides data that can be used to formulate or adjust eSIM commercial strategies and offers.
Connectivity trends in robotics: 5G and cellular IoT are only just emerging
From a telecoms perspective, robotics was recognised early on as a key future use case during the planning and rollout of 5G around seven years ago. With 5G-Advanced now commercially deployed in early-adopter countries, it is timely to evaluate 5G’s real-world impact on robotics. We also explore how complementary technologies such as edge computing, IoT and eSIM are shaping the connectivity landscape.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics