Apple is all set to offer new upgrades to its iPhone 14 Pro. Apple iPhone 14 Pro is said to have features like satellite calling and texting and this could just be the reason why the phone may not launch in India.
Apple 14 Pro is said to have a different design or an upgraded design with a bigger screen. In addition, this is deemed to be the first phone of Apple to offer satellite communication allowing users to send emergency messages in areas with no cellular service.
This satellite communication feature may land 14 Pro in trouble of not being launched in India because in India, using satellite phones is illegal and unauthorised without prior approval and permission.
Section 6 of Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of India Telegraph Act have banned the use of satellite phones in India. Satellite phones are permitted but require an NOC as well as license for use.
These laws are also the reason why Elon Musk’s SpaceX has not been able to launch Starlink Broadband Services in the country.
For Apple 14 Pro to be launched in India, there are three options:
First is that the phone is launched by seeking the permissions from the government, which the government may not provide.
Second, the phone is launched with satellite connectivity features disabled or removed.
Third, the phone is not launched in India.
Apple may go in for the second option as it has already done so with its Apple Watch and one of its features.
Apple’s 14 Pro is not the first one in India to face regulatory issues. Google was not able to launch Pixel 4 Series in India because of some spectrum issues.
