Low Power Mode on iPhone devices can impact 5G connectivity to conserve battery life[5][8]. Here's why Low Power Mode interacts with 5G, particularly 5G Standalone, on specific iPhone models:
* 5G and Low Power Mode: When Low Power Mode is activated, 5G is disabled on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, with exceptions for video streaming and large downloads[2][5].
* 5G Standalone: Low Power Mode disables 5G Standalone network access, but only on the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max[1][5]. Unlike non-standalone 5G, video streaming and large downloads will not continue to use 5G Standalone because the entire connection is severed, so they'll fall back on non-standalone 5G networks[1].
* Reasoning: According to Apple, the iPhone 14 series models and newer will not turn off 5G or 5G Standalone because of the improved efficiency of Apple's 5G modems and newer devices' power management system[1].
* 5G icons: The iPhone status bar denotes which type of 5G service is in use, such as "5G UW" for Verizon, "5G+" for AT&T, and "5G UC" for T-Mobile[7]. The plain "5G" icon signals the use of a lower spectrum with greater range and coverage but slower speeds[7].
* Turning 5G on/off: You can turn 5G on/off on iPhone manually[7]. To do this, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data[7][9]. With 5G Auto as the default, you can choose to use 5G anytime itâs available for faster speeds or select LTE for better battery life[7].
Citations:
[1] https://ios.gadgethacks.com/how-to/is-what-happens-your-iphone-every-time-you-turn-low-power-mode-0184648/
[2] https://support.apple.com/en-bh/101604
[3] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253475688
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/vlpfcv/a_full_breakdown_of_what_low_power_mode_actually/
[5] https://support.apple.com/en-ug/101604
[6] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/view-or-change-cellular-data-settings-iph3dd5f213/ios
[7] https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/05/turn-5g-on-off-iphone/
[8] https://support.apple.com/en-in/101604
[9] https://www.phonearena.com/news/how-to-turn-off-5g-iphone-12_id128218