Apple device support for private 5G and LTE networks
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 or later, support private, data-only mobile networks using the following radio access technologies:
LTE
5G non-standalone (NSA)
5G standalone (SA)
Connecting to a private mobile network
To connect an iPhone or iPad to a private mobile network, an eSIM or physical SIM that has been specifically provisioned for that network must be used. The SIM and private mobile network must use a supported Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a Mobile Network Code (MNC) that are both designated for private network use.
Private network identifiers
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, or later, support Mobile Country Code 999, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standard for identifying private mobile networks. All Mobile Network Codes are supported for Mobile Country Code 999 private networks. The following network identifiers are supported worldwide for private mobile networks:
Mobile Country Code 999: For example, 999-01 or 999-123
In some countries, private network identifier assignments are administered by a national authority. For example, the following regulatory network identifiers for private mobile networks are supported:
Germany: 262-98
Sweden: 240-41, 240-49, 240-65, 240-66
United States: 315-010 (Citizens Broadband Radio Service-CBRS)
Device compatibility with private networks
Connections from an iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular to a private 5G or LTE network use a supported frequency band approved by the regulatory authority of the country where the device is being used. Compatibility will vary by iPhone and iPad model and country or region where the device is being sold.
Model | Worldwide MCC 999 and country-specific regulatory PLMNs LTE and 5G NSA | Worldwide MCC 999 and country-specific regulatory PLMNs 5G SA | United States CBRS 315-010 LTE | United States CBRS 315-010 5G SA | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
All iPhone 15 models All iPhone 14 models iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4) models iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2) models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) | |||||||||||
All iPhone 13 models iPhone SE (3rd generation) iPad Air (5th generation) iPad mini (6th generation iPad (10th generation) | |||||||||||
All iPhone 12 models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) |
MDM with private mobile networks
Some device settings for an organisation’s private 5G and LTE network can be configured using an MDM solution or a configuration profile containing a Private Mobile Network payload. Only one Private Mobile Network payload is supported at a time, and the eSIMs or physical SIM must be installed first before they can be managed.
5G standalone: 5G SA is turned off by default, and users can manually turn it on in Settings > Mobile Service. Additionally, organisations can use the new
EnableNRStandalone
key in their Private Mobile Network payload.Prioritising Mobile Data over Wi-Fi: With the
CellularDataPreferred
key, organisations with private 5G and LTE networks have the option to prefer using mobile data over Wi-Fi when both are available. With this setting, supported devices can be set to prefer the private mobile network, while still allowing Wi-Fi for services such as AirDrop and AirPlay.Geofence activation: A private network eSIM or physical SIM can automatically be turned on when entering mobile network coverage defined by a geofence, using the new
Geofences
dictionary with theGeofenceId
,Latitude
,Longitude
andRadius
keys.By creating a geofence, the iPhone can seamlessly switch between a private network SIM and a provider SIM as the user moves in and out of private network coverage. When they enter the geofence, the private network SIM is enabled, and it’s automatically disabled when they exit the geofence and leave private network coverage. This feature is available only when using a single private network eSIM or physical SIM on their iPhone. Both the private network SIM and network provider SIM should be installed before assigning a geofence.
The Private Mobile Network payload allows defining up to 1,000 geofences, each with a radius ranging from 100 metres to 6.5 kilometres. Radiuses should be set slightly greater than the private mobile network coverage area.
Installing eSIMs
You can download and install the eSIMs from your infrastructure vendor’s eSIM server (SM-DP+) using the following methods:
Mobile device management (MDM)
QR code
Manual entry
Mobile network configuration
This section provides guidance on the recommended settings and configurations that your infrastructure vendor should use for deploying a private 5G or LTE network, ensuring optimal compatibility with iPhone.
Data-only network
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 or later, support data-only private mobile networks. The following data-only attach methods are recommended:
5G SA: Registration Accept (REG-Accept) for Data (without voice activation)
5G NSA and LTE: Attach-Accept (EPS-only)
With Dual SIM on iPhone, users can make and receive calls and text messages using a public network, while remaining connected to your organisation’s private, data-only network.
Naming the network
Multiple methods are supported for displaying the network name on an iPhone and iPad. These include:
Network Identity and Time Zone (NITZ)
Operator PLMN list (OPL)
PLMN network name (PNN)
Service provider name (SPN)
Roaming and multiple network use
iPhone and iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular devices are designed to comply with the roaming guidance outlined in ITU’s E.212 documentation. As a result, if a device has a SIM with MCC 999 for a private network, that SIM can’t roam onto public mobile networks or other private networks broadcasting national PLMNs.
Private network SIMs can be used on multiple mobile networks by configuring the SIMs Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network (EHPLMN) list. Ensure the user’s home network’s PLMN and any additional PLMNs are listed in the EHPLMN file on the SIM.
System Information Block 24
On a mixed network with both 5G SA and LTE, System Information Block 24 (SIB24) should be broadcast by the LTE network. This broadcast message helps ensure that the iPhone or iPad receive the necessary network information to scan for the 5G SA network.
5G standalone security and privacy requirements
To help ensure compatibility of iPhone and cellular iPad devices on private 5G SA networks, infrastructure vendors must adhere to the following security and privacy requirements:
Privacy concealment: The Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) must use a non-null protection scheme. This can be achieved through either an on-SIM SUCI calculation or an ME SUCI calculation, as outlined in TCA 2.3.1 and 3.1 specifications. For detailed information, refer to the 3GPP Technical Specification 33.501.
User data confidentiality: To safeguard user data from unauthorised access, the use of null-ciphering isn’t supported.
Non Access Stratum/Radio Resource Control signalling confidentiality and integrity: To prevent unauthorised access and interception, and prevent unauthorised tampering or modifications during transmission.
5G Standalone is supported on the following devices:
Model | 5G Standalone |
---|---|
All iPhone 15 models All iPhone 14 models iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4) models iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2) models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) | |
All iPhone 13 models iPhone SE (3rd generation) iPad Air (5th generation) iPad mini (6th generation iPad (10th generation) | |
All iPhone 12 models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) |
Managing 5G Network Slicing
5G Network Slicing allows mobile network operators to customise traffic through a 5G Standalone network with specific Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for network latency, throughput and packet loss. This allows a 5G network tailored to meet the needs of different types of apps and services, such as high-bandwidth video streaming, low-latency communications and mission-critical business apps.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, or later, offer organisations the ability to assign specific network slices to Managed Apps on their network provider’s 5G Standalone network. This causes all traffic for a designated Managed App to be routed to the slice identified by a specified data network name (DNN). The ability to assign network slices is available through the corresponding MDM app installation and settings commands. If both network slicing and VPN are configured for an app or device, the VPN connection takes precedence over the network slice, rendering the network slice unused. For more information on Managed Apps, see Distribute Managed Apps.
5G Network Slicing is supported on the following devices:
Model | 5G Network Slicing |
---|---|
All iPhone 15 models All iPhone 14 models iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4) models iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2) models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) | |
All iPhone 13 models iPhone SE (3rd generation) iPad Air (5th generation) iPad mini (6th generation iPad (10th generation) | |
All iPhone 12 models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) |
Important: Consult the provider to set up a network slice. The DNN assignments for network slicing may vary based on provider, plan or subscription.