Tag: 5G

No Wi-Fi, no problem: Apple could bring cellular support to Macs

Posted on by faz_business


apple macbook air 15 inch lid

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

TL;DR

  • Apple is reportedly thinking about bringing cellular connectivity to Macs and future XR products.
  • You might have to wait until 2026 to see the first Macs with this connectivity option.
  • The news comes as Apple gears up to launch its first in-house modem.

Apple has been working on its own cellular modem for years now, and it sounds like this component could debut inside the next iPhone SE and the iPhone 17 Air. However, it seems like cellular connectivity could come to more Apple categories.

Bloomberg reports that Apple is exploring the idea of bringing cellular connectivity to its Macs. The iPhone maker is also said to be considering cellular connectivity for future headsets, including follow-ups to the Vision Pro XR headset. If confirmed, these products would join the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch in supporting cellular connections.

The outlet suggests that cellular-enabled Macs are unlikely to launch before 2026, which is when Apple plans to launch a second-generation in-house modem with faster speeds and mmWave support.

Not the first time we’ve seen laptops with 5G modems

A MacBook with cellular connectivity would be a welcome upgrade, allowing users to get online without needing a Wi-Fi hotspot. In saying so, MacBook users can still take advantage of tethering via their iPhones to get connected. But having a dedicated mobile data plan for your MacBook could be a sensible move if you don’t want to drain your iPhone battery or deplete its data cap.

This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen cellular connectivity in a computer, though. The first Windows on Arm laptops offered 4G connectivity via Qualcomm modems, and we’ve also seen a few models with 5G support. However, we’ve only seen a few current-generation Snapdragon X laptops with 5G.

We’re less enthused about cellular connectivity in a Vision Pro follow-up, but this could be a great option for XR glasses. This would allow users to leave their phones at home while still making calls, live-streaming, streaming music, and more.

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More like T-stationary: T-Mobile fixes roaming loophole for 5G home internet

Posted on by faz_business


T Mobile logo at MWC

Kris Carlon / Android Authority

TL;DR

  • T-Mobile has now implemented address verification for its unlimited Home Internet service.
  • People were taking their home gateway devices with them to get 5G internet when traveling.
  • Affected users will now need to return their gateways to the original address or verify their new address.

T-Mobile previously announced that it would address a loophole that allowed customers to access its 5G Home Internet service while traveling. It looks like the company has finally closed this gap.

The Mobile Report uncovered a new document confirming that T-Mobile is now implementing address verification for its unlimited Home Internet service. This reportedly kicked off on June 20 (yesterday).

“Starting June 20, a small group of customers using T-Mobile Home Internet at different or ineligible locations will be notified to contact us or return to the store to re-verify eligibility,” reads an excerpt of the document. 

Solutions for affected Home Internet users?

Affected customers will apparently need to return the gateway device to their originally listed address, check for and confirm eligibility for the service at their current address, switch to a different, capped home internet plan, or cancel their unlimited Home Internet plan and be added to a waitlist for their address.

Customers who opt to return the gateway device to their original address or confirm eligibility at a new address will have a so-called “HIGEOFENC” code added to their line. The Mobile Report suggests that this code stands for “home internet geofencing,” a technology that would allow T-Mobile to more accurately track address verification.

Limiting wireless home internet service to an actual address is nothing new in the telecoms world. But this will nevertheless be disappointing for frequent travelers or people who moved to a new address. The news also comes after T-Mobile came under fire for price hikes and for its controversial Price Lock claim.

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