iPhone Users in Pakistan Will Not Be Able to Use 5G for Now, Says Report

Islamabad: Pakistan is preparing to roll out 5G services commercially by mid-August this year, but iPhone users will not be able to access the new technology initially, according to industry reports.
The Tribune reported that telecom operators in Pakistan are gearing up for the official launch of 5G services, which is expected to mark a new era of high-speed internet in the country. However, shortages of compatible handsets and heavy taxation have been identified as major obstacles.
Sources said that Samsung devices will support 5G services immediately after launch, while Apple iPhones will not initially be compatible in the Pakistani market due to high import taxes and limited market penetration. Apple has reportedly informed authorities that it will reassess the market and may enable 5G support for iPhones in Pakistan by 2027.
The government auctioned 5G spectrum worth $507 million in March, selling 480 MHz of frequency. Major telecom operators including Jazz, Zong, and Ufone participated in the auction. Jazz emerged as the largest buyer with 190 MHz of spectrum and has already launched 5G services at around 150 sites, with plans to expand to 2,500 sites by December.
Officials said only around 5% of mobile handsets in Pakistan are currently 5G-enabled, which remains a significant challenge for widespread adoption. Telecom companies have proposed installment-based smartphone schemes to address the issue, including restricting SIM issuance for users who fail to complete payments. However, Zong has opposed the proposal, citing potential financial advantages for operators with banking affiliations.
Industry stakeholders also highlighted that the telecom sector is currently burdened with taxes as high as 45%, making it one of the most heavily taxed industries globally. Jazz GSM President Kazim Mujtaba stated that the sector is being treated as a “cash cow” rather than critical infrastructure, adding that “a digital Pakistan cannot be built on an outdated tax model.”
Meanwhile, government officials remain hopeful that local manufacturing of 5G-compatible smartphones will begin soon, which is expected to help reduce handset shortages.