Apple Rolls Out 5G Support In India With iOS 16.2 Update

Smartphone maker Apple has now begun rolling out 5G support for all its 5G-compatible iPhones in India with its iOS 16.2 update. The company said that the support will be available to the users of iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and third generation iPhone SE.

The move is in line with the company’s earlier estimates to roll out the 5G support for Indian users by the end of 2022. The option comes bundled with Apple’s new iOS 16.2 update, which also gives its users new personalisation features and a higher degree of privacy, among others. 

The full-fledged rollout has come nearly a month after Apple pushed out the beta version of iOS 16 to select users. The testing phase was planned to collect feedback and address issues before the final launch. 

Apple’s 5G update comes close on the heels of Android-based smartphone makers, such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo and realme, launching their respective 5G updates to cater to the nascent 5G user base in India. 

For the time being, users will be able to avail the 5G services for free, owing to the ongoing trials being conducted by leading telecom operators. 

The quick rollout has come amid growing pressure from the Union government on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and telcos. 

Last week, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the 5G service was currently operational in 50 towns across the country. 

A report estimates that India will have around 31 Mn 5G users by the end of 2022, with the number expected to grow to 690 Mn by 2028.