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ApplePatent applicationNetworks & wirelessInterest 3/10

Apple patents method for phones to switch between 5G network modes

Apple has filed a patent application describing how a phone's processor can decide when to switch between two types of 5G network connections. The device compares the available data speed, or bandwidth, in each mode to determine which one offers a better connection.

Why it mattersThis is a technical improvement to how phones manage their 5G signal, which could lead to more stable connections but is not a new consumer feature.

In the filing’s own words

A user equipment (UE) is configured to operate in a non-standalone carrier aggregation (NSA CA) mode. The UE is also configured to determine an NSA CA bandwidth (BW) associated with bands being used for the NSA CA mode, determine a standalone carrier aggregation (SA CA) BW associated with bands being used for a SA CA mode after the UE is switched to the SA CA mode and determine, based on at least the NSA CA BW and the SA CA BW, for the UE to remain in the SA CA mode or switch to the NSA CA mode.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A processor of a user equipment (UE) operating in a non-standalone carrier aggregation (NSA CA) mode, the processor configured to: determine an NSA CA bandwidth (BW) associated with bands being used for the NSA CA mode; determine a standalone carrier aggregation (SA CA) BW associated with bands being used for a SA CA mode after the UE is switched to the SA CA mode; and determine, based on at least the NSA CA BW and the SA CA BW, for the UE to remain in the SA CA mode or switch to the NSA CA mode.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Flexible Switching Between Standalone Mode and Non-Standalone Mode in Carrier Aggregation
Publication number
US20260292810A1
Application number
19685263
Filed
May 22, 2026
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
20

Classified under

H04W 72/12 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.