T-Mobile officially retired its 2G GSM network on August 3, 2026, marking the end of 2G service from all three major U.S. carriers. With AT&T having discontinued 2G in 2017 and Verizon following in 2020, devices that rely solely on the older standard—including the original 2007 iPhone — can no longer connect to any cellular network in the United States. The move also affects remaining smartphones, alarm systems, payment terminals, and other IoT devices still using 2G, though T-Mobile had given customers advance notice to upgrade or transition.
T-Mobile kept its 2G network active because it still had some legacy customers who were using it. Some customers visiting the United States and using international roaming carrier agreements for connectivity also needed 2G for voice calling, but T-Mobile worked with carriers globally to prepare for the end of its 2G network.
Customers who were still on T-Mobile’s 2G network were warned well ahead of time about the shutdown and given time to transition. Smartphones, alarm panels, payment terminals, and other IoT accessories that used 2G will no longer function.
AT&T ended support for 2G almost a decade ago in 2017, and Verizon stopped supporting 2G in 2020. Now that no carriers in the U.S. support 2G, legacy devices like the original iPhone will not be able to connect to any cellular network.
MacDailyNews Take: Time marches on!
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