Several users in South Korea have raised complaints about the new iPhone 17’s slow performance compared to the older iPhone 11. Reports focus on sluggish cellular connectivity and unresponsive network speeds that affect day-to-day usage.
These complaints are not isolated to South Korea alone; netizens in Taiwan and Japan have also expressed similar frustrations on social media platforms such as Reddit.
User Reports and Viral Comparisons
Since October 2025, over 2,000 posts on Asamo—one of Korea’s largest Apple user forums with more than 2.4 million members—have detailed issues with the iPhone 17’s performance. Users reported slow internet and delayed response times, leading some to cancel their iPhone 17 orders.
A video posted by a forum member became viral, showing the iPhone 11 responding faster than the iPhone 17, surprising many in the tech community. Subsequently, technology YouTubers analyzed the issue. ITSub, a prominent content creator with 2.78 million subscribers, suggested software modem settings might be behind the problem rather than hardware faults.
Qualcomm X80 5G Modem and Software Speculations
The iPhone 17 is equipped with the Qualcomm X80 5G modem, the same chip used in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7 models. These Samsung devices do not exhibit similar connectivity problems, which points to a likely software origin for the iPhone 17’s issues.
Experts suspect Apple’s aggressive power-saving configuration may be restricting modem performance to extend battery life, unintentionally slowing cellular speeds. Such measures can degrade network experience, especially when users rely heavily on mobile data.
User Responses and Possible Legal Actions
The ongoing performance problems have led some users to propose class action lawsuits, although no official legal actions have been confirmed. Class actions typically emerge when a significant number of consumers feel their products are defective or misrepresented.
As of the last update, Apple Korea has not publicly addressed these concerns, leaving users and analysts awaiting an official statement. Meanwhile, industry observers note that unresolved connectivity flaws could impact Apple’s reputation and market share, particularly in Asia.
Tips for Affected Users
Affected users are recommended to keep their devices updated with the latest iOS software versions, as patches may improve modem performance. Basic troubleshooting, such as restarting the iPhone, may also temporarily alleviate connectivity lags.
Additionally, optimizing Wi-Fi connectivity at home can reduce reliance on problematic cellular networks. Simple steps like disabling location services when unused can conserve battery and ease system load, potentially enhancing responsiveness.
Broader Market Context
The smartphone market remains highly competitive, with brands like Samsung solidifying their leadership in early 2025. New device launches from other tech giants, including Google’s Pixel 10, are also intensifying competition—with leaked details signaling stable pricing to attract buyers.
Apple’s handling of the iPhone 17’s connectivity critiques will be crucial in maintaining customer trust, especially across key markets such as Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Continued community feedback and official support updates will determine how swiftly these performance challenges are resolved.
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