Apple confirmed today that it is working with carrier partners in India and will release a software update in December to make its iPhone 12 and later models, as well as the iPhone SE3, compatible with the 5G networks of Airtel and Reliance Jio. This comes after reports that the company was already doing this.
When a new carrier launches a 5G network, Apple takes some time to test and validate its devices. Before rolling out the update to its devices, the company stated that it must complete network validation and testing for quality and performance. Apple did not reveal any information about the update for the iPad Air 5th Gen, which has 5G support, but it is expected to receive 5G support alongside the iPhone.
Airtel’s non-standalone 5G Plus network went live earlier this month in eight Indian cities. The service will be available in most cities by March 2023, and throughout the country by March 2024. The standalone (SA) architecture-based 5G service from Reliance Jio just went live in beta in four cities, and the company says it will keep adding more cities as they get ready.
It should be noted that the iPhones are currently being tested for Jio and Airtel, the only two networks that support 5G speeds. Once Vodafone Idea’s 5G services are ready, Apple will need to re-test its iPhones for better compatibility with its 5G services.
Users of the following iPhone models will be able to experience faster 5G speeds once Apple releases the update:
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 3rd Gen
In a statement about the 5G update, Apple said:
We are working with our carrier partners in India to bring the best 5G experience to iPhone users as soon as network validation and testing for quality and performance is completed. 5G will be enabled via a software update and will start rolling out to iPhone users in December.
