Apple has expanded NavIC support to some new iPhone 15 models, apparently complying with New Delhi’s push to adopt the local Indian variant of the GPS navigation system.
On the technical specifications page for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple says that the new models support NavIC. This is the first time Apple has added support for NavIC to any of its iPhone models. However, the company has not specified which features will be included in the rollout. An Apple spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus variants do not support NavIC, according to their official technical specifications.
Navigation using the Indian Constellation, which became operational in India in 2018, is India’s bold attempt to build an autonomous satellite navigation system. NavIC, developed by the Indian Space Research Organization ISRO, provides precise positioning and timing information over India and the surrounding region.
Through more than six satellites, NavIC extends coverage to cover the entire landmass of India.
Its applications span across transportation (ground, air and sea), location-based services, personal mobility, resource monitoring, surveying and geodesy, scientific research, time dissemination and synchronization, as well as life safety alert dissemination, according to ISRO.
Last year, India began pushing smartphone makers to add support for NavIC within a few quarters, Reuters reported. I mentioned it then, citing government documents. Many smartphone manufacturers were concerned that the necessary hardware changes would lead to an uptick in the cost of phones.
Global iPhone 15 Pro models also support NavIC, according to the official specification pages. Dozens of smartphones – including Xiaomi’s Mi 11X, 11T Pro, OnePlus Nord 2T, and Realme 9 Pro support NavIC.