Apple is preparing to add 5G support on compatible iPhones for Indian carriers through a software update as early as December, according to multiple sources. This is to upgrade the modem firmware of the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. Not to mention the iPhone SE 3.
Apple talks to AirTel
Apple and Indian carrier Airtel will meet this week to discuss why Apple iPhones are not compatible with India’s 5G networks. Apple is reportedly already testing 5G support on iPhones in Mumbai and New Delhi, with an update officially adding support possibly rolling out in December.
The Reuters report says the Indian government is pressuring Apple and Samsung to adopt 5G support for their latest smartphones. Apple first added 5G support with the iPhone 12 in 2020, and two years later Apple’s Indian customers are still unable to use the newer, faster network. On Wednesday, the Indian government, alongside leaders from Apple, Samsung and the country’s major carriers, will meet “to prioritize” adding 5G support to the latest smartphones.
A boon for manufacturers who will therefore have one more argument to sell their phones in the second most populous country in the world and which already produces the new iPhone 14.
For the record in France, 5G has been available since the end of 2020.