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Apple is apparently testing technology that could improve, nay, “radically increase” internet access on smartphones.
Let’s start with the requisite acknowledgments. The internet is an amazing and relatively recent invention. So, too, really, is Apple’s iPhone and smartphones like it — providing said amazing internet in our pockets.
Like planes, the fact that we’ve accepted that flawless and speedy internet access is an immediate and inherent right speaks to what a great time it is to be alive, all other horrific things considered. We know not everyone, even most of us, didn’t grow up with such luxury. We’re thankful, etc. etc.
Now that’s out of the way: Sometimes, especially on phones with cellular connections, the internet is slow as heck and we would all really appreciate if it was much faster.
Apple, one of our wily and sometimes-benevolent overlords, is apparently testing technology that could improve, nay, “radically increase the speed and bandwidth of cellular connection,” according to Business Insider.
As they say, the proof is in the patent, or rather, in “an application for an experimental license to use new wireless technology” signed and submitted by Apple on Tuesday. In the documents, Tim Cook and company wrote that Apple “seeks to assess cellular link performance,” among other things described in technological jargon that you can read if you want. The assessments will give Apple’s engineers more data “relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks.”
On an essential level, this is exciting because when a 5G cellular connection is better executed and more widely available, it will ultimately allow everyone’s devices to access more bandwidth, more reliably.
As always, no one knows what exactly Apple is up to with this research or their testing sites, which are both located in California’s Bay area. Still, we can hope and speculate. After all, they’re working on a new internet in Silicon Valley too.