Get Ready to Experience Your iPhone in Your Native Tongue
Apple’s Major Move: iOS 18.4 to Support 10 Indian Languages
Starting next month, iPhone users in India will have a big reason to celebrate. Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.4 update will bring support for ten Indian languages: Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This groundbreaking move will make these languages fully integrated into the iPhone’s software interface, providing a seamless experience similar to how languages like French, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese are supported.
Mint talked to Apple insiders about this update, highlighting the significant contributions of Apple’s India teams, who worked cross-functionally with their global counterparts. This approach ensures that language support is deeply integrated into the Apple interface, maintaining consistency and utilizing local language nuances. This step means that colloquial terms and phrases, such as those used in the alarm clock or weather apps, will be accurately represented.
A Boost for India Market Growh
Apple’s journey in India has been a gradual climb, marked by significant milestones. Despite entering the Indian market more than three decades ago in 1996 and starting sales in 2008, the premium pricing of Apple products kept it a bit actor in the Indian tech ecosystem. However, since 2019, Apple’s India sales have been consistently rising, thanks to wider product availability, increased disposable incomes, and easier financing options. By 2024, Apple is estimated to have sold nearly 12.5 million iPhones in India, capturing a net market share of around 8%.
Empowering Users Through Local Languages
The introduction of local language support is set to bolster Apple’s market position. According to Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice-President at market researcher International Data Corp (IDC) India, this is a significant step for Apple. “Introducing native support for languages definitely makes a case for Apple’s buyers to consider the brand, when it is compared with another brand on the retail shop floor," he said. Singh also pointed out that this addition can make the switch to an iPhone more compelling, especially for those in tier-II markets and beyond, offering a whole new audience to tap into.
But what does this mean for the current market leader, Google’s Android? Google has supported Indic languages natively for over five years and recently rolled out support for its ‘Gemini’ AI platform in nine local languages. In contrast, Apple’s upcoming AI launch will initially offer support only in English. Despite this, experts believe that Apple’s focus on a niche subset of users will still allow it to maintain double-digit annual growth.
Pro-Tip: This seamless language integration across third-party apps ensures a coherent experience for all users. Ensuries that Indian speakers can navigate iPhones in their own local language.
FAQ Section
Q: Which Indian languages will be supported in the iOS 18.4 update?
The update will support Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Q: How does Apple ensure the authenticity of the local languages?
Apple has ensured the integration of local languages into its interface, using colloquial terms and phrases. It also works with the help of Apple India teams and global counterparts.
Q: How will this update impact Apple’s market share in India?
Experts believe that this update will make Apple’s devices more appealing to a wider audience, potentially increasing its market share and helping tap into tier-II markets.
Q: Will this update also benefit non-resident Indians?
Yes, non-resident Indians with relatives in India, who may prefer non-English languages, could find a compelling reason to switch to iPhones.
To better understand the impact of Apple’s move to support 10 Indian languages in iOS 18.4, let’s look at some key statistics and comparisons:
| Languages Supported | Market Share (2024) | Growth Prospects | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 10 Indian Languages | 8% | Double-digit annual growth |
| Android | 9 Indian Languages (Gemini AI) | Over 95% | Already established with wider reach |
Did you know?
The decision to integrate local languages closely into the Apple interface, rather than just as a translation layer, is a strategic move to offer a more consistent and authentic user experience.
Reader Question:
With the introduction of AI in Indian iPhones, can Apple rival Google’s appeal for coders? Read our dedicated article to find out:
With AI in Indian iPhones, can Apple rival Google’s appeal for coders?
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