The recently launched iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will support India’s indigenous navigation system, NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), Apple has said in a statement. It is the first time the US tech giant has introduced NavIC support to any of its iPhone models.
However, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus variants do not support NavIC, according to the official tech specifications. Apple has not confirmed which specific features will be included in this integration.
Developed by ISRO, NavIC – an alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS) – became operational in India in 2018. The standalone navigation satellite system provides accurate position and timing information over India and surrounding regions.
NavIC is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations. Its applications include transportation (terrestrial, aerial and marine), location-based services, personal mobility, resource monitoring, surveying and geodesy, scientific research, time dissemination and synchronisation and safety-of-life alert dissemination.
India aims to expand NavIC coverage globally and it wants tech companies to make their devices compatible with the new standard before then.
Apple unveiled its iPhone 15 series globally on September 12 at its “Wonderlust” launch event.
