Apple iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max to use ISRO technology, here's how it will make navigation better
For the first time ever, Apple has added NavIC compatibility to any of its iPhone models. However, the normal iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus versions do not support NaviC.
Highlights
- Apple introduces NavIC support in its latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models
- Developed by ISRO, NavIC has been in operation since 2018
- India encourages tech giants like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple to integrate NavIC into their smartphones
Apple has made a significant move by enabling support for India's home-grown navigation system, NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), in its latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. This marks the first instance of NavIC integration into Apple's iPhones, offering Indian users enhanced navigation capabilities.
Before now, the iPhone used global positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. The installation of NaviC should enhance the navigation capabilities of iPhone users in India.
NavIC: India's indigenous navigation system
NavIC, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been operational in India since 2018. It's a dedicated navigation satellite system designed to provide precise positioning and timing information not only in India but also across surrounding regions. NavIC consists of a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations.
Diverse applications of NavIC
NavIC serves a wide range of applications, including terrestrial, aerial, and marine transportation, location-based services, personal mobility, resource monitoring, surveying and geodesy, scientific research, time synchronisation, and safety-of-life alert distribution, according to ISRO.
The push for NavIC integration
Last year, India urged major tech companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple to make their smartphones compatible with NavIC. This move raised concerns about increased costs and disruptions for these companies, as integrating NavIC typically requires hardware modifications.
However, the Indian government and space officials are promoting its greater adoption and have required that new phones sold starting in January 2023 come with NaviC and GPS.
Apple's iPhone 15 series launch
Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 15 series during a global launch event called 'Wonderlust.' The iPhone 15 series includes four versions: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Pre-orders for these phones are set to begin on Friday, 15 September, with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus scheduled to go on sale on 22 September.
Additionally, Xiaomi's Mi 11X and 11T Pro, OnePlus Nord 2T, and Realme 9 Pro also support NavIC, which is India's alternative to GPS developed by ISRO.
