Russians Offered Unofficial 5G Activation on iPhone for 399 Rubles with No Guarantees
Russian iPhone users who want to use 5G networks can now pay a service called 5G First to bypass Apple's current restrictions for 399 rubles. The tool requires only a computer connection and does not involve jailbreaking the device.
According to analysis by iPhones.ru, the program most likely alters the carrier profile stored on the iPhone. These profiles define which network capabilities are allowed for a particular SIM card. The software keeps the original Russian operator parameters while adding the 5G-related options that Apple has disabled in Russia.
The service is explicitly labeled experimental by its developers. It does not support every model, including the iPhone Air and devices that use only eSIM. Compatibility also varies with the version of iOS, the mobile operator and the specific SIM card in use.
A free alternative called CarrierSIM has appeared for iOS 17. The script instructs the system to load the built-in Vodafone Hungary carrier profile, which already permits 5G access. Changes are written using the AirLift mechanism that exploits access outside the Apple Books synchronization directory.
Neither solution provides transparency about exactly which system files are modified or what data is processed. It remains unknown whether the changes will persist after the next iOS update. Apple could close both workarounds with a future software release.
Even if the 5G toggle appears in the settings menu, users will only benefit where Russian operators have actually deployed fifth-generation networks. Current 5G coverage in Russia remains limited and does not always deliver noticeable improvements over LTE.
The Ministry of Digital Development has begun talks with Apple about enabling 5G officially on iPhones sold in Russia.
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