Apple device support for 5G Network Slicing
5G Network Slicing allows mobile network operators to customize traffic through a 5G Standalone network with specific Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for network latency, throughput, and packet loss. This allows a 5G network tailored to meet the needs of different types of apps and services, such as high-bandwidth video streaming, low-latency communications, and mission-critical business apps.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 offer the following features:
Simultaneous VPN and Network Slice usage: Enable the simultaneous usage of VPN and 5G Network Slicing, ensuring that activating a VPN doesn’t disrupt the functioning of Network Slices.
Expanded App Categories: Apps can now support 5G Network Slicing for Communication, Gaming, and Streaming app Categories. This allows apps to use multiple network slices based upon application category and network traffic type.
5G Network Slicing is supported on the following devices:
Model | 5G Network Slicing |
|---|---|
All iPhone 16 models All iPhone 15 models All iPhone 14 models iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4) models iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2) models iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) |
|
All iPhone 13 models All iPhone 12 models iPhone SE (3rd generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) iPad Air (5th generation) iPad mini (6th generation iPad (10th generation) |
|
Important: Consult with the carrier to set up a network slice. The DNN assignments for network slicing may vary based on carrier, plan, or subscription.
Assigning a Network Slice
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, or later, offer organizations the ability to assign specific network slices to Managed Apps on their carrier’s 5G Standalone network. This causes all traffic for a designated Managed App to be routed to the slice identified by a specified data network name (DNN).
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 add the ability to for a designated Managed App to be routed to the slice identified by an App Category.
The ability to assign network slices is available through the corresponding MDM app installation and settings commands. For more information on Managed Apps, see Distribute Managed Apps.
You can use the following steps assign a Network Slice.
1. Verify Compatibility.
Ensure that your MDM solution supports iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, or later, and supports assigning a Network Slice to a Managed App.
Confirm that your iPhone or cellular iPad support 5G Network Slicing.
Check that your carrier uses a 5G Standalone network and has assigned a Network Slice for your use.
2. Assign Network Slice to a Managed App.
Use your MDM solution to assign the 5G Network Slice to a Managed App using a Data Network Name (DNN) or AppCategory name provided by your carrier. The network slice should begin with either “dnn:” or “appcategory:”
If necessary, update and install the Managed App.
3. Open the Managed App.
Upon first launch, users see an “Optimized 5G” notification informing you that the app is using the Network Slice.
An “Optimized 5G” option is also available in Settings > Cellular, allowing users to turn 5G Network Slicing on or off for all Managed Apps.