Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
No, thank you Accept
X
WWDC: Everything Apple AnnouncedCNET CouponsSleep With Socks OnBest Solar CompaniesRemote Working in ParadiseBest Satellite Internet ProvidersCurrent Mortgage RatesMeal Subscription vs. Takeout
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Apple iPhones are now showing AT&T's fake '5G E' network too

AT&T's misleading 5G E network popped up in Android phones in January. Now iPhones are showing it too.

Lynn_La2.jpg
Lynn_La2.jpg
Lynn La Senior Editor / Reviews - Phones
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
See full bio
Lynn La
2 min read
iphone-xs-9

Some AT&T iPhones started to indicate that they're connected to a 5G network that doesn't exist yet.

 Angela Lang/CNET
Advertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure
This advertising widget is powered by Navi and contains advertisements that Navi may be paid for in different ways. You will not be charged for engaging with this advertisement. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, this advertising widget does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information in the featured advertisements is up to date, each advertiser featured in this widget is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its offer details. It is possible that your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms in this advertising widget and the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser which will be presented to you prior to making a purchase. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

Back in January, AT&T raised eyebrows when some Android phones on its network started displaying a "5G E" connectivity, despite being connected to only an upgraded version of 4G LTE . The indication popped up on phones in certain regions where AT&T is expected to roll out its upcoming 5G network, which is scheduled for later this year and throughout 2020. Now it looks like the same 5G E indicator is showing up in iPhones too, according to MacRumors.

When the 5G E text first popped up, AT&T received criticism for misleading customers into thinking they were already connected to the next-gen network. Now that the indicator is expanding to iPhones, it looks like the company has no intention in backing down from its 5G E campaign.

screen-shot-2019-02-05-at-12-29-50-pm
Watch this: AT&T tries tricking customers with 5G E logo

"Today, some iPhone and iPad users could start seeing our 5G Evolution indicator on their devices," said an AT&T spokesperson to CNET. "The indicator simply helps customers know when they are in an area where the 5G Evolution experience may be available."  

The fact that Apple is allowing AT&T to do this is also notable. The phone maker has hinted it is in no rush to make a 5G phone. By allowing this 5G E text to display on its phone implies that the company is content with users merely thinking they have a 5G-enabled iPhone when they really do not.

For more information on when to expect 5G phones from Apple, Samsung and others, check out CNET's roundup.

Apple did not immediately reply for a request to comment.