KT (030200.KS), South Korea's major telecommunications carrier, said Monday it will become the first operator in the country to offer 5G standalone (5G SA) service on iPhones. KT previously became the first in Korea to commercialize 5G SA service through Samsung smartphones in 2021.
The 5G SA mode will be available on five iPhone 17 series models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17e. Users can activate SA mode simply by completing the iOS 26.4 regular software update.
5G SA delivers service using only the 5G network without relying on LTE. While the existing non-standalone (NSA) mode utilizes both LTE and 5G networks simultaneously, SA processes all signals and traffic on the 5G network alone, resulting in faster response times and improved battery efficiency by eliminating the need for an LTE connection. Another key advantage is more stable communications even during LTE network failures or disaster situations, as the service operates entirely on the 5G network.
KT has been preparing for SA-centered network evolution since the early days of 5G commercialization in 2019. The company has steadily built up its technology and operational capabilities, including launching Korea's first commercial SA service in July 2021 and introducing the country's first 5G voice service (VoNR) in October 2024. KT is also continuing its push for stable migration and service upgrades in line with the government's policy direction for 5G SA transition. Drawing on this expertise and operational know-how, KT achieved SA service availability on iPhones through close collaboration with Apple and thorough network verification.
KT is leading 5G services built on the core values of low latency and reliability. The technology is expected to serve as critical infrastructure across various industries, including autonomous driving and smart factories, leveraging network slicing and ultra-low latency capabilities. "KT is continuously striving to deliver truly meaningful 5G services that customers can experience firsthand," said Kwon Hee-geun, a senior vice president at KT. "With the commercialization of 5G SA on iPhones as a springboard, we will continue to provide the best possible service as communications technology evolves toward 6G."