Airtel has launched 5G networks in India in select regions, but you can't use it on iPhones just yet. (Image Source: The Indian Express/ Anuj Bhatia)
Dispelling confusion over the availability of 5G network on Apple devices, Airtel has confirmed that iPhone users will soon be able to use its 5G networks soon. “5G on iPhone is not working yet because Apple has to open it. They are promising to open it soon,” Airtel’s Chief Technology Officer Randeep Sekhon told indianexpress.com on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress event in New Delhi.
“Apple is currently testing 5G in India; we have set up special networks for them to test,” he added. Sekhon made it clear that Airtel will not be sending an OTA (Over-the-air) update to make 5G work on your smartphone. Instead, the mobile handset manufacturer needs to push out the software update to enable 5G services on the device.
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Right now, barring the iPhone, Airtel’s 5G services are active on 5G-ready smartphones from all major manufacturers. “You can buy an iPhone 14 today, but 5G will not work until Apple opens it,” he said.
“If you own a 5G-compatible iPhone and an Airtel SIM, it [5G] works. There is no need to change the SIM,” Sekhon clarified on whether users need to replace their existing SIM for 5G ones.
5G networks began rolling out commercially in India on Saturday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services on the opening day of the India Mobile Congress, a major event dedicated to telecom. Airtel’s 5G services already live in eight cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bangalore, and others. Reliance Jio, the country’s top telecom operator, plans to kick start 5G services in the country around Diwali. Vodafone Idea, meanwhile, has not announced its rollout plan, but Kumar Mangalam Birla, during his speech at IMC, said it will be “very soon”.
5G promises to bring faster, more reliable connections for users. It will enable new types of experiences such as cloud gaming, thanks to faster speed and reduced latency. Access to 5G is expected to expand dramatically in India in 2023. The cost of the 5G plan is unclear, but experts say monthly 5G service is likely to cost more than 4G LTE service.
Apple iPhones older than iPhone 12, for example, will not support the next-generation wireless network technology. 5G is only supported on the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 13 range, the iPhone 14 lineup and the affordable iPhone SE 3.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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