Right Edge: Flush mmWave RF window (Bands n258, n260, n261) • No physical SIM slot.
Architectural Disparity Verified (MacRumors Report)
Exclusive high-band mmWave antenna window on the right frame and absence of physical nano-SIM tray.
Cellular Band & 5G NR Spectrum Matrix 3GPP Rel 17/18 Baseline
| Radio Frequency Category | United States (Model A3421) | International / Global (Model A3423) |
|---|---|---|
| 5G NR mmWave FR2 High-Band (>24GHz) |
n258 (24 GHz)
n260 (39 GHz)
n261 (28 GHz)
|
Not enabled / mmWave antenna omitted |
| 5G NR Sub-6GHz FR1 Mid/Low Bands |
n1
n2
n3
n5
n7
n8
n12
n14
n20
n25
n26
n28
n29
n30
n38
n40
n41
n48
n53
n66
n70
n71
n77
n78
n79
|
n1
n2
n3
n5
n7
n8
n12
n20
n28
n38
n40
n41
n66
n77
n78
n79
|
| Cellular Modem RF Silicon Architecture |
Qualcomm Snapdragon X85 / mmWave Front-End Modules | Apple C2 In-House Modem (Sub-6GHz Optimized) |
| SIM Configuration Carrier Provisioning |
eSIM-Only (Up to 8 profiles, 2 concurrent active) | Dual SIM: 1x Physical nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Chassis Cutouts Frame Machining |
Right-rail dielectric mmWave aperture; 0 SIM perforations | Left-rail CNC SIM slot + pinhole ejector; solid right frame |
Regulatory Laser Stamping & Chassis Traceability
LASER ETCH SIMULATOR • INTERIOR FRAME INSCRIPTION
Apple Inc. • Assembled in Vietnam • Model A3421 • FCC ID: BCG-E9942A
Regulatory Variance Notes: Models sold outside North America carry CE, UKCA, and NCC regulatory stamps inside the Settings e-label or inner bracket, whereas the U.S. model strictly requires FCC millimeter-wave RF exposure compliance markings.