- Bloomberg Apple expert Mark Gurman reported on rumors about upcoming satellite connectivity upgrades for the iPhone.
- A satellite connection has been added for emergencies with the iPhone 14 series
- There’s no timetable yet for the rumored upgrades
Apple made a big deal about the iPhone’s new satellite capabilities when it launched the iPhone 14 series in 2022 – Apple’s September event that year was called “Far Out” and its promotional materials had a space aesthetic.
However, satellite connectivity wasn’t as great as some fans hoped at launch, with functionality limited to emergency situations. And although Apple has improved its capabilities with each subsequent release of the iPhone, satellite messages and calls are still limited to off-network communications and emergencies.
However, according to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s resident Apple expert and the most authoritative Apple rumor source on the scene, Apple may be working to change that by expanding the iPhone’s satellite capabilities.
Although the rumored features are varied and have no clear timeline, Gurman’s report suggests that Apple may consider integrating satellite connectivity as a more typical form of network connection, alongside traditional cellular networks.
Rumored New iPhone Satellite Features
As mentioned, Gurman’s report mentions a handful of new satellite features.
Personally, I think the most notable improvements are the simplest: enabling “natural use” and increasing messaging capabilities.
Here, “natural use” refers to the ability to use satellite connectivity in various scenarios, such as in a vehicle or when your phone is in your pocket. Currently, satellite connectivity requires a clear view of the sky. And Gurman adds that Apple wants to add image sharing over a satellite connection, improving the current text-only service.
To support this, Apple could add a satellite connection over 5G, which would allow iPhones to request satellite information from 5G cell towers.
There could also be deeper integration of satellites with existing and new apps, as Apple is said to be working on satellite-powered maps in Apple Maps, as well as a satellite API that third-party app developers could use.
Connectivity complications
This is all quite exciting but, as is usually the case with technological development, far from simple. Gurman mentions possible internal tensions at Apple over whether the company acts or should act as a carrier when it comes to satellite communications.
Additionally, Apple relies on a company called Globalstar for its satellite connectivity, which itself is considering a sale, with SpaceX as a possible buyer. Apple would naturally want to avoid relying on SpaceX, owned by rival tech mogul Elon Musk, so it makes sense to keep its own satellite technology where possible.
And, as Gurman notes, Apple retaining its own satellite capabilities would give Cupertino a better position if, or when, the technology becomes more mainstream.
Personally, I think Apple has been on a roll lately when it comes to meeting current consumer needs – just look at the iPhone 17, which finally ticks all the boxes for a value-for-money flagship smartphone – but I’m sure the company’s vast resources make this type of forward-looking development viable.
And the idea of having a network connection just about anywhere on Earth seems like a boon when it comes to security, convenience, and travel.
Gurman’s report also touched on a rumored billion-dollar deal between Apple and Google to power the long-revamped Siri with Google Gemini, which came as a surprise given Apple’s previous public partnership with OpenAI – be sure to check out our coverage for a full analysis.
Would you use satellite connectivity if Apple improved it? Let us know in the comments below.
Follow TechRadar on Google News And add us as your favorite source to get our news, reviews and expert opinions in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp Also.
