- Bloomberg’s Apple expert Mark Gurman has reported on rumors of upcoming satellite connectivity upgrades for the iPhone
- Satellite connectivity was added for emergencies with the iPhone 14 series
- There is no timeline yet for the rumored upgrades
Apple made a big deal of the iPhone’s new satellite features when they launched with the iPhone 14 series back in 2022 — that year’s Apple event in September was titled “Far Out” and its promotional material had a spatial aesthetic.
However, satellite connectivity wasn’t as big a deal as some fans expected at launch, with functionality limited to emergencies. And while Apple has upgraded the features with each subsequent iPhone release, satellite messaging and calling is still limited to off-net communications and emergencies.
However, according to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s resident Apple expert and the most authoritative Apple rumor source on the ground, Apple could work to change this by expanding the iPhone’s satellite capabilities.
While the rumored features are varied and have no clear timeframe, Gurman’s report suggests that Apple could be looking to integrate satellite connectivity as a more typical form of network connectivity alongside traditional cellular networks.
New rumors about iPhone satellite capabilities
As mentioned, Gurman’s report mentions a handful of new satellite features.
Personally, I think the most impactful rumor enhancements are the simplest: enabling “natural usage” and increasing notification options.
Here, “natural use” refers to being able to use satellite connectivity in a variety of scenarios, such as in a vehicle or while your phone is in your pocket. Currently, satellite connectivity requires an unobstructed view of the sky. And Gurman adds that Apple is keen to add image sharing over satellite link, improving on the current text-only service.
To support this, Apple could add satellite connectivity over 5G, which would allow iPhones to request satellite information from 5G cell towers.
There could also be deeper satellite integration with existing and new apps, as Apple is reportedly working on satellite-powered maps in Apple Maps, as well as a satellite API that third-party app developers can tap into.
Connection complications
All this is quite exciting, but, as is typically the case with technological developments, far from simple. Gurman mentions possible internal tensions at Apple over whether the company behaves or should behave like a carrier when it comes to satellite communications.
In addition, Apple relies on a company called Globalstar for its satellite link, which is itself looking at a sale, with SpaceX a possible buyer. Apple would naturally be keen to avoid relying on SpaceX, owned by rival tech tycoon Elon Musk, so it makes sense to keep its own satellite technology wherever possible.
And, as Gurman notes, Apple would hold on to its own satellite capabilities, giving Cupertino a better foothold if or when the technology becomes more mainstream.
Personally, I think Apple has been on a hot streak when it comes to meeting the current needs of consumers lately – just look at the iPhone 17, which finally ticks all the boxes for a flagship smartphone at a good price – but I’m sure the company’s vast resources make this kind of forward-looking development viable.
And the idea of having network connectivity virtually anywhere on earth sounds like a boost to security, convenience and travel.
Gurman’s report also touched on the rumored $1 billion deal between Apple and Google to outfit the long-overdue 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 breakdown.
Would you use satellite connection if Apple improved it? Let us know in the comments below.
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