Apple is said to start testing 5G network compatibility on iPhone models in India via its iOS 16.2 beta version as early as next week.
The action follows the government's public urging smartphone manufacturers to provide 5G software updates that would enable support for 5G network services in the nation.
Apple has previously announced that the firmware for its 5G-capable phones in India would be updated by December. The software update would include the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone SE (2022), which do not support 5G networks in India at now.
The beta version of iOS 16.2 has purportedly been confirmed as a forerunner to the December rollout of 5G functionality. However, the Cupertino, California-based company has not yet confirmed a precise timeframe for the nationwide rollout of 5G services.
According to a report by The Indian Express, beginning the next week, iPhone customers on the Airtel and Jio networks will be eligible to participate in the Beta Software Program, allowing them to test the pre-release iOS 16.2 software and enjoy the latest 5G feature capabilities.
Meanwhile, Apple executives are reportedly scheduled to meet with the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to discuss the beta release of iOS 16 firmware with 5G carrier capability.
Apple will enable both Airtel 5G Plus and Jio True 5G with the upcoming iOS 16.2 public beta, which is slated to roll out to all iPhone customers the following month.
Users desiring to test 5G services in India on their iPhone before the official launch may want to update to the impending iOS 16 beta by registering for Apple's Beta Software Program.