• 5G SA available on five iPhone 17 models via software update
• KT iPhone users to experience improved battery efficiency and enhanced service stability through SA

KT (CEO Kim Young-Shub) announced on the 26th that it will become the first operator in Korea to provide 5G Standalone (SA) services on iPhones. KT previously commercialized Korea’s first 5G SA service in 2021 using Samsung smartphones.

The 5G SA service will be available on five models in the iPhone 17 series (iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17e). Users can access SA mode after completing the regular iOS software update (iOS 26.4).

5G SA is a network architecture that delivers services exclusively through a 5G network without relying on LTE. It represents an evolution beyond the existing Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture. While NSA utilizes both LTE and 5G simultaneously, SA processes all signaling and traffic entirely on the 5G network, enabling faster response times and improved battery efficiency by eliminating LTE connectivity requirements.

Another key advantage is enhanced network reliability. Because services operate solely on the 5G network, users can maintain more stable connectivity even during LTE network outages or emergency situations.

KT has prepared for SA-centric network evolution since the early commercialization of 5G in 2019. The company launched Korea’s first 5G SA service in July 2021 and commercialized Korea’s first Voice over New Radio (VoNR) service in October 2024, continuously building expertise in related technologies and operations.

In line with the government’s policy direction for 5G SA transition, KT has also been steadily advancing stable migration and service enhancement. Based on this technical capability and operational know-how, KT successfully introduced SA services on iPhones through close collaboration with Apple and thorough network validation.

KT is moving beyond competition focused solely on average speeds and is leading 5G services centered on low latency and reliability. Following VoNR commercialization, KT continues to enhance SA-based technologies such as network slicing, and has already secured key infrastructure to support the expansion of future AI services.

Global telecom equipment vendors and standardization bodies also recognize SA as a critical technology for the evolution toward 5G-Advanced and 6G. According to an Ericsson white paper, SA improves network performance and serves as a foundation for introducing future communication technologies, prompting major global operators to expand adoption.

Furthermore, based on network slicing and ultra-low latency capabilities, SA is expected to serve as core infrastructure across various industries, including autonomous driving and smart factories.

Kwon Hee-geun, Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing Innovation at KT, stated, “KT is continuously striving to deliver true 5G services that customers can actually experience. With the commercialization of iPhone 5G SA, we will provide the best possible services to customers as communication technologies evolve toward 6G.”