Apple will begin rolling out 5G support for its handsets in India as part of a beta software programme next week, allowing iPhone customers on Airtel and Reliance Jio networks to access the high-speed service in areas of the nation where 5G is currently supported. During a meeting with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Wednesday, the business provided the information to the government.
Users of 5G-enabled iPhones who download the iOS 16 Beta software update will be able to use the service on the networks of Airtel and Jio. To be sure, the option will be available only to those who have a 5G-enabled iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, or iPhone SE (3rd generation) model and are participating in the iOS 16 Beta Software Program.
The beta programme also allows customers to check out pre-released software and sample the most recent features before the product is made freely available. Users will be able to submit comments to Apple on the software’s quality and usability. To gain access to the Apple Beta Software Program, customers must enrol their iPhone in the programme and install the updates as they become available.
Previously, the company stated that it will deploy software updates for 5G support in India by December. However, thanks to the beta programme, people will be able to enjoy 5G on iPhones much sooner.
Currently, a lot of 5G-enabled handsets on the market do not support the Indian bands. Last month, the IT Ministry also convened a conference with Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone manufacturers to discuss how to begin supporting 5G on their handsets.
While several of Samsung’s entry-level smartphones have been updated to enable Airtel 5G, several of its mid-tier to premium phones, including the S20 fan edition and Galaxy Z fold 2, do not yet support the network, according to information on Airtel’s website.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched 5G services in the country on October 1, calling it “a knock on the doors of a new age” and the “beginning of an unlimited sky of prospects.” The Prime Minister also stated that 5G technology will completely redesign the Internet’s infrastructure.
5G will provide consumers with faster Internet speeds and lower latency. 5G Internet speeds could reach 10 Gbps at its peak, compared to 4G’s top of 100 Mbps. Similarly, 4G latency ranges between 10-100 ms (milliseconds), and 5G latency is predicted to be less than 1 ms. Latency is the amount of time it takes for a device to deliver data packets and receive a response.
