5G Standalone is Missing After Updating to iOS 16.4

As far as my understanding goes 5G (SA) and 5G (NSA) is a technology provided by Cellular Operators in India based on the infrastructure they have or used.

I am unable to understand how mobile users can choose between the two different technology infrastructures.

Please understand this...

5G (Fifth Generation) mobile technology has two deployment options: Stand Alone (SA) and Non-Stand Alone (NSA).

1. Non-Stand Alone (NSA) 5G: NSA 5G technology uses the existing 4G LTE network infrastructure as an anchor to establish a connection between the user equipment (UE) and the 5G radio access network (RAN). In NSA mode, the 5G network relies on the 4G core network to provide services to the end user. NSA technology is a transitional mode of deployment and allows for faster implementation of 5G networks by building upon existing 4G infrastructure.
2. Stand Alone (SA) 5G: SA 5G technology is a completely independent network that does not rely on the 4G network for connection establishment between the UE and the 5G RAN. In SA mode, the 5G network has its own core network and provides end-to-end services, including control plane and user plane functions. SA 5G technology is designed to fully realize the benefits of 5G, including high-speed data transfer, low latency, and massive machine-type communication.

Overall, SA 5G is considered to be the more advanced and desirable deployment option for 5G networks, while NSA 5G allows for a more gradual transition to the new technology.

Okay, there is one way to test for JIO users or any users in particular if you are on SA or not.

1. Dial *3001#12345#* and hit call.
2. You’ll enter field test mode. Under 5g>NrConnectionStats
3. Check “connection_type” and see if you have “SA” against it, that would mean you are on standalone network when you see 5G on your network strength.

Only drawback is that now you cant force the iphone to look for SA with iOS 16.4 as they removed the toggle for many carriers.

Attaching a screenshot for reference

Same here, I was using 5G (SA) until today morning then later updated to ios 16.4 in noon and bang!!! The 5G SA toggle is missing and nowhere to be seen..!

I’m from india and my carrier is Jio and 5G SA network is available in the location I live.

Your image does not say anything about 5G standalone. It says:

• Tap on Settings
• Tap on Mobile Data
• Tap on SIM
• Turn on Voice & Data

If you don’t see the SIM settings it means that your SIM does not support 5G; you need to get a SIM that supports 5G.

I am a T-Mobile Magenta Max customer in Colorado. Just updated to 16.4 while in Texas with iPhone 12 Mini and do NOT have the 5G stand alone option. Is it because I updated in another state than where I live?

I am a T-Mobile Magenta Max customer in Colorado. Just updated to 16.4 while in Texas with iPhone 12 Mini and do NOT have the 5G stand alone option. Is it because I updated in another state than where I live?

Jio has publicly announced that they are using 5G SA only, after that they can not afford to do the mistake of using NSA as they may lose user trust and may also face legal challenges. Please check the belo screenshot

In my menu, I dont see any "5G Nr ConnectionStatus" - but I see "5G Nr UIPdcpStatus", where I don't yet see any SA as any type - either deployment or connection, even when it is latched in to Jio True5G 5G network -

No standalone is missing since 16.3 I guess cause in INDIA only Airtel & Jio is providing 5G service where Airtel only uses NSA & Jio uses SA architecture hence there is no use of a toggle switch.

I am having no issue using 5G, screenshot attached.

So the problem actually is with the providers and not the iOS update. Providers need to enable SA on iOS 16.4 for the users to be able to use it. Providers like JIO would need to verify their SA on iOS 16.4 for us to be able to get that option. I think in US only T-Mobile has verified SA. AT&T and Verizon also do not currently support SA as far as I know.

We also need to remember that 16.3 was release quite a while back so providers had ample time to get verifed on SA. I am not sure if 16.4 brought a new modem firmware or not but if it did that could also be one of the reaons why new modem firmware currently does not not have the Provider’s SA verified.

Just a thought.

The cellular network settings are provided by the carrier by uploading a Carrier Settings file; it has nothing to do with Apple. You can check that you have the latest carrier settings by going to Settings/General/About and waiting for a few seconds; if there is an update available you will be prompted to install it. And if you don’t see a switch for 5G SA (I do see it in 16.4, my carrier is T-Mobile USA) it could be that it is always on. I think you can check with field test mode. The long term goal is to make all 5G networks standalone, which would make the switch unnecessary.

I don’t have toggles on my iPhone 12 mini or 14 pro max on t mobile contract magenta max plan in a major city… obviously update didn’t go well for most t mobile users and destroyed connectivity for a lot in India on the jio network. Tired of apple needing 20 updates to make a basic feature work either wait till it’s ready or don’t release. Half of what was released at wwdc for the iPhone has taken almost to the next one to get all features out. Don’t forget first apple update was for iPhone 14 that could make calls or use data… mhmm

I have also noticed that the standalone toggle is missing after updating to iOS 16.4 but I am able to use Jio 5G without any problem. I think as Jio only uses standalone technology, therefore there is no use of giving a standalone toggle button. For example, we have seen this kind of thing earlier as you may have noticed that there is it VOLTE toggle button available for Airtel users, but VOLTE button is not available for Jio customers users Jio only uses VOLTE to make calls.

I already filed a complaint to the Jio Customer service regarding this. I think we all need to make a complaint about this because if the number of complaints is more, then they will look into this matter quite soon.