According to reports, 5G-enabled Apple iPhones users will be able to try 5G telecom services, starting next week the sooner it is available in the country, both on standalone (Reliance Jio) and non-standalone networks (Bharti Airtel).

It is said that Apple will be rolling out its much-awaited software upgrades for the 5G network in India next month. Apple will enable 5G in the iOS 16 Beta software program next week for the select iPhone users in the country.

As a part of the Apple Beta Software Program, Airtel and Jio customers who download the iOS 16 Beta software update can try the service and send their feedback to the company. The final updated software will become available sometime in December.

The beta program is expected to allow users to try pre-release software and experience the latest features before a software is made publicly available. Users can also provide feedback to Apple on quality and usability to help Apple identify problems, address them, and make the software better.

“5G will be enabled via a software update and will start rolling out to iPhone users in December,” according to the company.

As regards handset makers’ concern, Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had recently urged telcos to increase the pace of their 5G network rollout in the country. He had said telcos needed to raise the number of 5G towers installed weekly to at least 10,000, up from the current 2,500.

Operators and vendors, meanwhile, have said the movement has been slow because of stiff safety measures and a lot of specialised manpower heading home during the festival season. Also, it might take some time to import 5G radios, for which orders were placed recently.

Operators said that it was unfair to push them to meet a number, as they would roll out according to their plan, and that they had agreed to their rollout commitments for 5G in any case.

The users of this Beta can also provide feedback to Apple on quality and usability and help the company identify bugs and fix them. To access the latest public betas, a user has to enroll an iPhone in the Apple Beta Software Program.