A new report sheds light on Apple’s plan for satellite features coming to iPhone, and it paints an unusual picture for cellular connectivity.
Apple is Working on 5 New Satellite Features for Future iPhones Including 5G Data Support
In order to make full use of an iPhone, you connect it to a cellular network, and everything works itself out from there. It’s as simple as that. But lately, Apple has been throwing some satellite-related features into the mix to keep users connected to their loved ones when cellular coverage isn’t available.
Those features include Emergency SOS via Satellite and the ability to send text messages and use Find My over satellite as well.
A new report from Mark Gurman, in his PowerOn newsletter, takes things several steps further, and it seems like Apple is working on an iPhone that relies less on a cellular network and more on satellites for connectivity.
According to Mark, Apple is working on five new satellite features for iPhone, and it includes Apple Maps navigation via satellite, the ability to send photos using Messages via satellite, and 5G via satellite.
The other two features include the ability to use the iPhone over satellite indoors without having to point it at a clear sky, and last but not least, open up the satellite API to third-party apps.
What does all of that sound like to you? An iPhone that will work pretty much anywhere thanks to satellites orbiting earth.
While Apple hasn’t announced anything officially, but it makes sense to transition to satellite connectivity for uninterrupted service throughout different regions.
Ground cellular connectivity will always be the first point of connection, since the network is well established and cheaper to manage. But satellite ensures an iPhone stays online all the time.
How Apple is going to pull this off remains to be seen. At first, chances are high that the company will do partnerships with entities like SpaceX. And, a recent report even said Apple’s iPhone 18 might be the first smartphone to support 5G over a satellite connection as well.
All signs point towards an iPhone in the future that will connect straight to a satellite for pretty much everything. And it makes sense that it will happen, since it’s the best way to ensure uninterrupted coverage no matter where you are in the world.
