The Indian government has just requested Apple but also for Samsung, Xiaomi and other manufacturers to integrate local satellite navigation systems NavIC (India Regional Satellite Navigation System), in the next line of smartphones. Therefore, starting in 2023, the iPhone 15 but also all other iPhone lines sold in the Indian territory will have to use the Navic navigation system, the aim of which is to reduce or even eliminate dependence on foreign geolocation systems. India also believes that the default installation of NavIc applications can encourage small local companies to use NavIc to promote their services or products.
Indian Navy geolocation satellite 3D rendering
The demands are brutal (the obligation goes into effect on January 1, 2023) and doesn’t leave much time for the tech giants to update their various smartphone projects. At Apple, for example, the general plan and sometimes even the first prototype of the next generation (n+1) iPhone is determined as soon as the latest iPhone model is released.
Analysts also believe that India is trying here to catch up with other major regions or countries in the world: China, European Union, Japan or even Russia have geolocation systems capable of competing with America’s GPS.
