5G Not Working on iPhones, Pixels, Samsung Devices in Pakistan Amid Certification Delays

ISLAMABAD

The rollout of 5G services in Pakistan has left many smartphone users unable to access the next-generation network, with devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung currently facing compatibility issues.

User reports and industry insights suggest the problem is not due to hardware limitations but stems from software restrictions and pending carrier certifications.

Experts say global manufacturers control 5G activation through operating systems and firmware updates. For instance, Apple enables 5G via carrier bundles in iOS, meaning telecom operators must be officially approved before the feature becomes available on iPhones. As Pakistan’s 5G rollout remains in its pilot phase, local operators are yet to receive this certification.

Similarly, Google restricts 5G access on Pixel devices through firmware-level whitelisting, while Samsung uses a Country Specific Code (CSC) system that can block 5G on uncertified or imported devices.

Industry sources indicate that the swift timing of Pakistan’s 5G auction and launch left telecom operators with limited time to secure approvals from handset manufacturers. Meanwhile, brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo appear to impose fewer restrictions.

Leading operators including Jazz, Zong, and Ufone have yet to roll out full device compatibility. Jazz has publicly acknowledged that 5G is currently not supported on iPhones, adding that efforts are underway to expand support.

The situation has caused frustration among premium smartphone users, particularly iPhone owners, who form a significant portion of 5G-capable users in the country. While telecom companies say broader compatibility is in development, no official timeline has been provided.

Until then, most users will continue relying on 4G/LTE services, even as 5G infrastructure begins to expand nationwide.