A SPECIAL symbol on your status bar means you're getting a big perk.
It gives you access to an upgraded version of mobile internet – but you might not realize exactly what it means when you see it.
One Reddit user posted a thread asking what the 5G+ symbol means.
In the post, they asked: "I’m used to seeing 5G but I’ve never had this before. It is faster?"
It's actually one of several 5G symbols that might appear on your iPhone's status bar at the top.
'My wife wants to change our four-year-old's name but I think it is too late'
Apple explains: "Your carrier’s 5G+ network is available, which can include your carrier’s higher frequency version of 5G. Supported models can connect to the internet over that network."
In the U.S, it typically means that you've connected to AT&T's high-frequency band network.
This serves up very fast speeds – but the range and coverage of the network is typically limited.
In a blog post, AT&T notes: "AT&T 5G+ using high-band spectrum delivers super-fast speeds and unprecedented performances in high traffic areas.
"Including parts of more than 50 cities and more than 80 large-scale venues and airports.
"5G+ is faster and more responsive for the most demanding apps and services, from gaming to streaming to video conferencing.
"As developers and creators invent amazing new online apps and services, 5G+ will make it all feel near seamless anywhere you go."
It may also represent high-speed 5G networks from other providers depending on your location. For instance, it could be Bell in Canada or EE in the UK.
After finding out what the iPhone symbol meant, the original Reddit poster thanks the people who replied and noted: "On a new level up here."
Another user added: "It’s extremely fast. I had never seen it before I visited a friend so I did a speed test, got up to 370Mbps down as opposed to my local 160ish on regular 5G."
'I hate how unique my baby's name is - I'm desperate for more parents to use it'
Note that some iPhone models will never see this.
Only newer iPhone models can connect to 5G (and 5G+ by extension).
They include:
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
If your iPhone isn't on this list then you'll never see the 5G+ icon on your status bar.
