This article appeared in SoyaCincau on 14 December 2022.

In case you missed it, iPhone users in Malaysia will finally be able to connect to the 5G network. This comes as Apple released their iOS 16.2 update earlier today, bringing 5G support to Malaysian iPhone users. If you’re an iPhone user who wants to also get on the 5G bandwagon, here’s what you need to know.

Which iPhones support 5G connectivity?

If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, you’re in luck as it comes with support for 5G connectivity. This includes both Pro and non-Pro models, as well as this year’s iPhone SE. Specifically, here are the iPhone models you need:

iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE 3rd Gen
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max

On top of that, as mentioned earlier you will also need to update your device to iOS 16.2. To do so, simply head over to the Settings app and tap on General, and then Software Update. You should then see the option to update to iOS 16.2.

What plans support 5G on the iPhone?

Of course, it’s not enough to just have one of the latest iPhones if you don’t have a telco plan that provides 5G connectivity. Right now in Malaysia, only Celcom, Digi and U Mobile users would be able to access the 5G network while using an iPhone, as they’re one of Apple’s telco partners. Yes 5G, who have offered 5G since late last year, along with Unifi Mobile are not Apple telco partners while Maxis, who is a telco partner, has yet to sign up for DNB’s 5G access agreement though there are plans to do so by early next year.

At time of writing, here are all the plans under Celcom, Digi and U Mobile that offer 5G network access which you can use on the iPhone:

Celcom

XP Lite with M Pass
XP Lite with L Pass
XPAX Postpaid 40
XPAX Postpaid 60
MEGA 80
MEGA 98 Lightning
MEGA 128 Lightning
MEGA 158 Lightning
MEGA 188 Lightning
MEGA Family Lightning
Mix & Match RM20 8GB
Mix & Match RM42 40GB
Mix & Match RM35 30GB
Mix & Match RM45 40GB

Digi

Digi Postpaid 90 2021
Digi Postpaid 90 DS 2021
Digi Postpaid 120 2021
Digi Postpaid 120 DS 2021
Digi Postpaid 150 2021
Digi Postpaid 150 DS 2021
Digi Postpaid 200 2021
Digi Postpaid Family 45 Unlimited
Digi Business Go Digi 98
Digi Business Go Digi 128

U Mobile

U Postpaid 38
U Postpaid 68
U Postpaid 98
Unlimited Hero P139
U25 Prepaid
U35 Prepaid

If you’re using an iPhone with 5G support running iOS 16.2 as well as one of these aforementioned telco plans, you’ll be able to access 5G by heading over to the Mobile Data page in the Settings App. You can then select to use 5G networking when it’s available, or let your iPhone decide when to switch to 5G over 4G.

Where in Malaysia can you get 5G coverage?

According to Digital Nasional Berhad, the national 5G network currently covers most of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor, along with parts of Penang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Perak, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak.

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have the highest coverage, with 97% and 96% 5G coverage in populated areas already, while Selangor is slightly behind at 84% coverage of populated areas. In total, 38.7% of all populated areas in Malaysia has 5G coverage already, with DNB expecting to exceed 40% 5G population coverage by the end of the year. They also expect to hit 80% 5G population coverage by the end of 2024, which will bring 5G to over 30 million people.