5G, the next-generation network service, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 1. Since then, leading telcos such as Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have rolled out 5G services in a handful of cities, including the likes of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Varanasi. To access 5G speeds, users needed to have a 5G-enabled handset first. However, some users with such models were still unable to access 5G due to the lack of a software update. Now, Apple has announced that certain iPhone models will gain 5G beta access starting next week.
Starting November 7, iOS 16 Beta users will start gaining access to 5G services for both Airtel and Jio on a handful of models.
iPhone models that will support 5G beta
These are the models that will gain access to the iOS 16 5G beta:
> 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 13 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
> iPhone SE (3rd Generation/2022 model)
Note that the 5G experience can only be accessed by iOS 16 beta users.
How can you access Apple Beta Software Program
As the name suggests, Apple Beta Software Program allows a limited number of users to try out software updates before they are rolled out to the public.
Beta users can provide feedback to the Cupertino tech giant on the 5G service’s quality and usability, which in turn helps the company iron out creases before a general rollout.
You can sign up for Apple Beta Software Program with your existing Apple ID via the official website.
When is Apple expected to roll out 5G services to the public?
Following government pressure on OEMs to expedite their rollout of 5G support on handsets, several companies have offered a rough timeline of when to expect the next-gen network access on their phones.
Apple said in a statement that it is working with carrier partners in India to offer the “best 5G experience” to iOS 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,” the Cupertino tech giant said. An exact rollout date is yet to be announced.
What about other OEMs?
Just like Apple, other brands have also come forward with an expected timeline of 5G rollout.
Samsung said that its compatible handsets will gain access to 5G network by mid-November. Vivo has said that it has already started rolling out 5G access on its handsets in October. Xiaomi India also announced that compatible Xiaomi and Redmi handsets would gain access last month.