The highly anticipated Apple iPhone 15 series was just recently launched. The new smartphones are set to go on sale later this month across the globe, with India also seeing a same-day launch for the first time. But this isn’t the only first for the region as the brand’s iPhone 15 Pro models will finally support local GPS technology as well.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro series finally feature NavIC

According to a TechCrunch report, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the first ever iPhone models to feature NavIC for GPS. For those unaware, this is an indigenous GPS technology that was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). NavIC employs seven satellites that covers India and a region of around 1,500 kilometers beyond the nation’s boundary. It also serves various other purposes like terrestrial, aerial, and marine transportation.

This feature was found on the detailed spec list of the iPhone 15 Pro series and can be found in the cellular and wireless section. Unfortunately, the NavIC support appears to be limited to the higher-end devices. In other words, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not feature the local GPS technology. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the first to feature NavIC, which follows the likes of other smartphone brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Vivo.

So, ISRO’s tech has been seeing higher adoption in recent years. This move also showcases Apple’s commitment to expand in the region. It has already started assembling the new iPhone 15 lineup in the region and is seeking to further expand production in a bid to shift its reliance away from China.

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Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) signs an MoU with the Chinese smartphone maker OPPO. Both the parties have joined hands to develop indigenous solutions based on NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system for India.

According to the agreement, ISRO and OPPO will develop applications for NavIC’s short messaging feature. The Indian government’s Department of Space and the Chinese tech company will exchange technical information of NavIC messaging services to build rapid, ready-to-use, end-to-end application-specific solutions.

The solution will be developed for the mobile handset platform keeping in mind the need of Indian users. OPPO reiterates its commitment towards India and its vision towards the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) campaign through this MoU.

The messaging service offered by NavIC is meant for broadcasting safety-of-life alerts in areas with poor or no communication, especially in the oceans. For the unaware, NavIC covers the entire Indian mainland and an area up to 1500 km beyond that.

Dr. K Sivan, Secretary, DOS (Department of Space) / Chairman, ISRO not only appreciates the efforts of OPPO in scaling the applications of NavIC but also urges the company to use NavIC in all of its upcoming products.

On the other hand, Mr Tasleem Arif, Vice President, India R&D Head, OPPO India, commented, “We’re excited to collaborate with ISRO to strengthen the NavIC application. Under our latest MoU, we will support ISRO with our industry-leading R&D capabilities to provide a seamless experience to the users of NavIC application. In line with our vision towards Make In India, OPPO will invest in further scaling the product with its competitive and experienced R&D team. To benefit our users and the government, OPPO will continue to create a positive impact in the society through our innovation and technology expertise.”

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