Apple Adds Indian GPS System 'NavIC' To iPhone Pro Models, Check Details

Apple for the first time has rolled out the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) support to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max that was launched on September 12. The move came after the Indian government wanted adaption of NavIC instead of GPS system.

A last year report by the Reuters claimed that the Indian government asked the smartphone brands to ditch foreign GPS systems and adapt NavIC that would lead to hardware changes in order to support the navigation system, and that would effect the cost of the smartphones.

What is NavIC?

NavIC that was formerly known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is a regional navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7 to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services in India and the surrounding region.

Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users are the two services provided by NavIC. Applications include transportation (terrestrial, aerial and marine), location-based services, personal mobility, resource monitoring, surveying and geodesy, scientific research are included in NavIC.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the first iPhones to support NavIC. iPhone lovers can buy their favourite models from September 22. Apart from NavIC, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will also support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with improved camera capabilities and A17 Pro Chip. Apple has added a customisable action button to activate features like Silent mode, Focus, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Translate, Magnifier, Shortcut and Accessibility.

Four variants of the iPhone 15 Pro have been launched - 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB with four colour options - black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium.

The price of the 128GB variant is Rs 1,34,900 while the 256GB variant costs Rs 1,44,900. The 512GB variant is priced at Rs 1,64,900 while the 1TB variant will cost you Rs 1,84,900.