5G iPhone launch unlikely to be 'massive event,' AT&T executive says

AT&T Communications CEO Jeff McElfresh said that the impending launch of 5G-equipped "iPhone 12" models may not end up being a "massive event," and that industry watchers should soften expectations.

Apple is expected to release its long-anticipated 5G "iPhone 12" devices in October, but on Monday, McElfresh told CNBC that it may be smart to check their excitement about the impending launch.

"I've always tried to soften folks' expectations around 5G. I do believe that you will see many of the iPhone subscribers move to upgrade to the device, but I wouldn't forecast that it's going to be a massive event," McElfresh told the media outlet.

There will undoubtedly be early adopters who jump at the chance to upgrade to the broadband-like speeds of 5G. However, many users will stick with 4G LTE service, particularly during the precarious economic situation created by the coronavirus pandemic.

"I also don't think it's going to be a non-event," McElfresh added. "I think customers, based on the pressures of the economy that we're all facing today, will make a calculated decision as to what they want to do."

Though reports differ, Apple is largely expected to offer some type of 5G compatibility across its "iPhone 12" and "iPhone 12 Pro" lineup.

TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes all U.S. models will feature both mmWave and low-band 5G, though some reports suggest that the speedier mmWave service will be exclusive to higher-tier devices.

In July, AT&T announced that its low-band 5G network was available nationwide. Its faster 5G+ service, based on mmWave spectrum, is available in select areas in 35 U.S. cities.

During his interview with CNBC McElfresh also revealed that AT&T is already working on "6G" service that will likely build on both the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

80 Comments

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

Translation: 'AT&T didn't invest in 5G and their 5G-E scam fooled no one. So, who needs it? who wants it? Shouldn't we all wait for them to bungle 6G the same way?'

But, I do agree with him that there won't be a mass rush to the iPhone 12's because they have 5G (except possibly in those countries like China who have already rolled it out nationwide). Instead, mostly it will prevent Apple from LOSING sales from those who simply don't want to invest in yesterday's 4G technology (you know, like AT&T did)

ITGUYINSD 547 comments · 5 Years

About 4 years ago

GeorgeBMac said:

Translation: 'AT&T didn't invest in 5G and their 5G-E scam fooled no one. So, who needs it? who wants it? Shouldn't we all wait for them to bungle 6G the same way?'

But, I do agree with him that there won't be a mass rush to the iPhone 12's because they have 5G (except possibly in those countries like China who have already rolled it out nationwide). Instead, mostly it will prevent Apple from LOSING sales from those who simply don't want to invest in yesterday's 4G technology (you know, like AT&T did)

While your comment is very anti-AT&T, the gist of it is correct, which is 5G really isn't going to be a big deal with any carrier. If you're already in a good 4G LTE area, you're probably already happy with the fast speeds you get. If you're in a crappy 4G LTE area, it's probably going to be crappy (or no) 5G for a long while. For most people, you're on WIFI with very fast (or free WIFI) and you're happy.

I think as soon as the buzzword "5G" cools down and people realize 5G is something no one really wished for, it will just exist and will someday replace 4G LTE.

FWIW, I'm very happy with AT&T and frequently get 100 down speeds while out-and-about while on 5GE.

MplsP 4020 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

Well, since 5G has so far been pretty much a non-event, why should a 5G iPhone be any different?

5G coverage is fair at best, bordering on abysmal for Verizon, and the performance of the 5G networks is essentially on par with the 4G LTE ones. Why should we pay extra for any of it? If and when (emphasis on the ‘if’) the utopia of self driving cars that talk to each other actually comes to pass then maybe 5G will be useful. Right now it’s all hype.

M68000 868 comments · 7 Years

About 4 years ago

@AT&Texecutives. - instead of “working” on 6G, how about working on getting more than 1 signal bar of 4G strength in my general area ?

mcdeal 1 comment · 4 Years

About 4 years ago

In the mountains of Colorado, where I live, there is very little ATT or T-Mobile. Only Verizon works with anything close to an acceptable signal and only along main roads. My home requires a Network Extender. Local phone stores will tell complaining visitors that they should change their settings to 3G while in the area. A friend in the "cellular game" says that 5G and higher may never roll out in rural areas because it will require 5 times the number of towers and would take years to build.
He says that the future is Starlink.