iPhone Goes Fully Cellular with Seamless, Always-On 5G
Cupertino, California, September 23, 2025
Today, Apple announced the next chapter in iPhone’s evolution by advancing the industry beyond legacy wireless standards. The new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max eliminate Wi-Fi connectivity entirely, setting a new benchmark for simplicity, performance, and reliability.
“Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything,” said Steve Jobs in 2007. “Today, we’re doing it again — by removing what no longer needs to be there.”
For over two decades, Wi-Fi has served as a foundational technology for mobile devices. But with the emergence of advanced 5G and private cellular networks, the need for separate Wi-Fi radios has diminished, both in practice and in performance.
Apple’s proprietary connectivity architecture now delivers ultra-low latency, higher bandwidth, and seamless handoff across global 5G networks, supported by strategic partnerships with carriers and next-generation eSIM provisioning.
#Why Remove Wi-Fi?
In 99.9% of real-world user testing, cellular connectivity via 5G outperformed local Wi-Fi networks in speed, reliability, and latency. Removing the Wi-Fi module enables:
A lighter, more power-efficient design
Increased internal space for battery capacity
Fewer components susceptible to wear or failure
A streamlined, always-connected user experience
#Designed for the Future
The new iPhone is designed around the principle that users shouldn’t have to think about how they’re connected. There’s no more toggling between networks, managing passwords, or dealing with unreliable public Wi-Fi. Just uninterrupted access, anywhere.
To support this shift, Apple has introduced AppleConnect, a seamless global data experience available through iCloud+, integrating with over 270 carrier networks worldwide. For enterprises, AppleEdge offers private, secure, carrier-independent cellular environments replacing traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure.
“We’re not interested in being first, we’re interested in being right,” said Tim Cook, Apple CEO. “Removing Wi-Fi is a step toward a simpler, smarter, more connected future. This is where the industry is headed, we’re just getting there first.”
Transition and Compatibility
Apple understands that some workflows and environments may still depend on legacy Wi-Fi protocols. iPad, Mac, and other devices continue to support Wi-Fi, and developers are encouraged to adopt new APIs supporting AppleConnect for peer-to-peer and local communication.
I’m sure Apple will let everyone know that we’re just holding the phone wrong.
iPhone Goes Fully Cellular with Seamless, Always-On 5G
Cupertino, California, September 23, 2025
Today, Apple announced the next chapter in iPhone’s evolution by advancing the industry beyond legacy wireless standards. The new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max eliminate Wi-Fi connectivity entirely, setting a new benchmark for simplicity, performance, and reliability.
“Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything,” said Steve Jobs in 2007. “Today, we’re doing it again — by removing what no longer needs to be there.”For over two decades, Wi-Fi has served as a foundational technology for mobile devices. But with the emergence of advanced 5G and private cellular networks, the need for separate Wi-Fi radios has diminished, both in practice and in performance.
Apple’s proprietary connectivity architecture now delivers ultra-low latency, higher bandwidth, and seamless handoff across global 5G networks, supported by strategic partnerships with carriers and next-generation eSIM provisioning.
#Why Remove Wi-Fi?
In 99.9% of real-world user testing, cellular connectivity via 5G outperformed local Wi-Fi networks in speed, reliability, and latency. Removing the Wi-Fi module enables:
#Designed for the Future
The new iPhone is designed around the principle that users shouldn’t have to think about how they’re connected. There’s no more toggling between networks, managing passwords, or dealing with unreliable public Wi-Fi. Just uninterrupted access, anywhere.
To support this shift, Apple has introduced AppleConnect, a seamless global data experience available through iCloud+, integrating with over 270 carrier networks worldwide. For enterprises, AppleEdge offers private, secure, carrier-independent cellular environments replacing traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure.
“We’re not interested in being first, we’re interested in being right,” said Tim Cook, Apple CEO. “Removing Wi-Fi is a step toward a simpler, smarter, more connected future. This is where the industry is headed, we’re just getting there first.”
Transition and Compatibility
Apple understands that some workflows and environments may still depend on legacy Wi-Fi protocols. iPad, Mac, and other devices continue to support Wi-Fi, and developers are encouraged to adopt new APIs supporting AppleConnect for peer-to-peer and local communication.
Came for this chestnut.
Beat me to it