Apple has started rolling out the new iOS 16.2 update for iPhone (and iPadOS 16.2 for iPad) worldwide starting today. iOS 16.2 brings a slew of upgrades from a brand new freeform app to end-to-end iCloud encryption aka Advanced Data Protection, Apple Music Sing Karaoke mode, seemingly improved always-on settings (exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro) and more. There is also something special for iPhone users in India: the long-awaited support for 5G.
iPhones finally support 5G in India
To be clear, all iPhones from the iPhone 12 and up are technically 5G-ready out of the box, but Apple had to push out the necessary update — specific to iPhones sold in India — to allow those iPhones to connect and work with networks being run by telcos such as Airtel and Reliance Jio offered in the country. The update could only be rolled out after thorough tests that Apple has carried out over the past few months.
“We are working with our carrier partners in India to offer iPhone users the best 5G experience once network validation and testing for quality and performance is complete,” Apple told FE in October, adding that ” 5G via a software update and will be rolled out to iPhone users from December.”
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Starting today, December 14th, all 5G-enabled iPhones in India can officially connect and work with Airtel and Jio 5G. In the latter case, of course, you need an invitation from the telecom company to start using the so-called Jio True 5G. Airtel’s 5G is relatively easier to get if you’re in one of the cities where its services have been launched. Others such as Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL have yet to launch their competing services.
Getting started with 5G on iPhone
To get started, you must first download and install the new iOS 16.2 update on your iPhone. You can check the availability of the update by going to your iPhone’s general settings. The new update weighs around 1.29 GB (it should be smaller if you are already a beta tester). After installing the update, be sure to go to Cellular data > Cellular data options > Voice & data > Automatically/on select 5G and you’re good to go. We can confirm that this works with our Airtel SIM in Delhi.
5G in India: Complete list of 5G-enabled iPhones
Last but not least, here is a quick overview of all iPhones that support 5G:
– iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
– iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
—iPhone SE 3 (2022)
Also Read | iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max hands-on: A bitter pill for Android brands to swallow?
