T-Mobile continues to outshine competitors AT&T and Verizon with its superior 5G RedCap network support for Apple devices.
The latest Apple watch lineup is fully compatible with T-Mobile's 5G RedCap network. | Image Credit - Apple
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are now offering 5G RedCap, signaling a shift towards 5G-enabled smartwatches. T-Mobile's nationwide 5G SA network gives it a competitive edge over its rivals, as AT&T and Verizon still rely on 4G infrastructure for parts of their networks.
Are T-Mobile's extensive 5G capabilities a compelling reason to switch for Apple watch consumers?
No, smartwatches do not necessarily require ultra-fast speeds.
Fierce Wireless reveals that the necessity for 5G in smartwatches is debatable. While the speed benefits may not be paramount, the efficiency of 5G RedCap is advantageous for preserving battery life and ensuring device compatibility with future technologies.
The incorporation of 5G RedCap in the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 underscores the importance of power management – prioritizing energy efficiency over raw speed improvements.
–Avi Greengart, Founder of Techsponential, September 2025
Given that T-Mobile's 5G infrastructure is fully SA, the company has a notable advantage in coverage compared to AT&T and Verizon. Additionally, even T-Mobile's low-band frequencies, renowned for their extended range and building penetration, are compatible with SA. This means that Apple watches connected to T-Mobile's network can leverage 5G connectivity in more locations.
This strategic positioning provides T-Mobile with a substantial coverage lead, as its entire 5G network, including the 600 MHz low-band frequencies, operates on SA technology, while AT&T and Verizon are still expanding their core SA networks primarily at higher frequencies.
–Avi Greengart, Founder of Techsponential, September 2025
Although AT&T and Verizon are striving to catch up, AT&T's RedCap 5G has already reached over 200 million points of presence (POPs) by July, as announced by the company's VP of Device Technology Jason Sikes.
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