iPhone users in India can finally take advantage of 5G connectivity starting next week. In a statement to The Indian ExpressApple has confirmed that a new beta of iOS 16.2 next week will bring 5G support to iPhone users in India using Airtel or Jio networks.
Apple has faced pressure from the Indian government to launch 5G support for iPhone users in the country. The company admitted a few weeks ago that it would roll out 5G support with a software update in December. Apple has now confirmed that iOS 16.2 will include 5G support in India, and beta users can try it out next week.
Apple users of Airtel and Jio participating in the Beta Software Program will be able to try 5G next week after the update. The Apple Beta Software Program allows users to try out pre-release software and experience the latest features before the software becomes publicly available.
This updated timeline from Apple on 5G support in India also effectively confirms that iOS 16.2 will be available to everyone in December. This was previously reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says iOS 16.2 is slated for mid-December.
India represents a growing market for Apple; the company praised strong growth in the country during its quarterly earnings report last week. One of Apple’s resellers in India also recently reported strong earnings growth due to high demand for iPhone and MacBook orders.
India’s largest distributor of Apple and IT products, Redington Ltd, reported a 26% jump in September quarterly profit on Thursday due to strong domestic demand for phones, laptops and software.
Consolidated earnings for the three months ended Sept. 30 climbed to 3.87 billion rupees ($46.76 million) from 3.07 billion rupees a year ago, the company said in an exchange filing. The iPhone reseller’s quarterly sales rose to rupees 190.51 billion, from rupees 152.87 billion a year ago, according to the filing. Apple, the largest supplier, accounted for 27% of sales.
iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 users can connect to 5G networks in India, as well as iPhone SE 3 users. The feature is supported by Airtel or Jio carrier customers as long as they are subscribed to a plan that supports 5G networks.
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