- Mark Gurman, an Apple expert at Bloomberg, reported rumors of future improvements to satellite connectivity for the iPhone
- Satellite connectivity was introduced with the iPhone 14 series for emergencies
- Plans for the aforementioned features have yet to be announced.
Apple focused heavily on the iPhone’s satellite capabilities when it launched the iPhone 14 series in 2022: September’s keynote was also called “Far Out” and featured space-inspired visual communication.
But satellite connectivity turned out to be less revolutionary than some fans expected, as its use was limited to emergencies. And while Apple has improved this feature with each generation, satellite messages and calls are reserved for out-of-network situations and emergencies.
That’s why Marc GurmannAccording to Apple, the most reliable source of Apple rumors, the company wants to change that by expanding the satellite connectivity capabilities of the iPhone.
The mentioned functions are still vague and without a specific time frame, but according to Gurman, Apple may want to integrate this connection as a more traditional channel, in the same way as traditional mobile networks.
Rumors are swirling about new satellite features for the iPhone
Satellite connectivity debuts on iPhone with the iPhone 14 series (iPhone 14 Pro Max pictured).
Gurman’s report mentions several possible new developments in the satellite field.
The most surprising of these would undoubtedly be the simplest: to allow a more “natural” use and expand the messaging functions.
This term refers to the possibility of using the satellite connection in different situations, for example from the car or when you put the phone in your pocket. Clear skies are important now. Gurman further indicates that Apple would also like to allow the transmission of images via satellite in addition to the existing text messaging service.
To achieve this, Apple could combine satellite connectivity with 5G, allowing iPhones to interrogate satellites via 5G cell towers.
Greater integration into current and future applications would also be considered: satellite maps in Apple Maps and a satellite API specifically aimed at third-party developers would enable wider use of this network.
Connectivity challenges
Apple has invested in its own networking hardware, such as the C1 modem introduced with the iPhone 16e.
While these prospects are exciting, the road ahead remains complex. Gurman discusses Apple’s internal disagreements over the company’s positioning: should it operate as a satellite communications operator?
Additionally, Apple relies on Globalstar to provide this connectivity. However, this company is considering a sale and SpaceX would be one of the potential buyers. A situation that would pose a problem for Apple, as the company wants to avoid any dependence on a company led by Elon Musk, one of its main competitors.
Therefore, it would make sense to keep its own satellite technology, especially since it would allow Apple to better control its future if these technologies became widespread.
Gurman also notes that this control would strengthen Apple’s position as satellite connections become more widespread.
Finally, their report also discusses the potential multi-billion dollar partnership between Apple and Google to integrate Gemini with Siri in a future redesign, an unexpected move given that Apple had previously worked with OpenAI. A file covered in detail in another article.
The prospect of being connected everywhere on the planet could be a breakthrough in security, comfort and mobility.