- Bloomberg Apple expert Mark Gurman reported on rumors of upcoming satellite communications upgrades for the iPhone.
- Satellite connectivity has been added for emergencies in the iPhone 14 series.
- There is no timeline for rumors about updates yet.
Apple made a big deal of the iPhone's new satellite capabilities when they launched the iPhone 14 series back in 2022—that year's September Apple Event was called “Far Out” and its promotional materials had a space-age aesthetic.
However, satellite communications turned out to be less of a problem than some fans expected at launch, as functionality was limited to emergency situations. And although Apple has expanded capabilities with each subsequent release of the iPhone, satellite messages and calls remain limited to off-net communications and emergencies.
However, according to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg's resident Apple expert and the most authoritative source of Apple rumors on the scene, Apple could try to change this situation by expanding the satellite capabilities of the iPhone..
While rumored features are varied and lack a clear time frame, Gurman's report suggests that Apple may be looking to integrate satellite communications as a more typical form of network connectivity alongside traditional cellular networks.
New iPhone satellite features rumored
As mentioned, Gurman's report mentions several new satellite features.
Personally, I think the most important improvements rumored are the simplest: enabling “natural usage” and enhancing messaging capabilities.
Here, “natural use” refers to the ability to use satellite communications in a variety of scenarios, such as in a car or when the phone is in your pocket. Currently, satellite communications require an unobstructed view of the sky. And Gurman adds that Apple is looking to add the ability to share images over a satellite connection, improving its existing text service.
To support this, Apple could add satellite connectivity via 5G, which would allow iPhones to query 5G cell towers for satellite information.
There could also be deeper satellite integration with existing and new apps, as Apple is supposedly working on satellite maps in Apple Maps, as well as a satellite API that third-party app developers can take advantage of.
Connection difficulties
All this is quite exciting, but, as is usually the case with the development of technology, it is far from simple. Gurman mentions possible internal tensions within Apple over whether the company should act like a carrier when it comes to satellite communications.
In addition, Apple relies on Globalstar for satellite communications, which itself is considering a sale, with SpaceX a possible buyer. Apple will naturally be keen to avoid dependence on rival tech mogul Elon Musk's SpaceX, so retaining its own satellite technology where possible makes some sense.
And, as Gurman notes, Apple retaining its own satellite capabilities will give Cupertino a better foothold if (or when) the technology becomes more widespread.
Personally, I think Apple has been on a hot streak lately when it comes to meeting current consumer needs—just look at the iPhone 17, which finally ticks all the boxes for an affordable flagship smartphone—but I'm confident that the company's vast resources make these kinds of forward-thinking developments viable.
And the idea of ​​having a network connection almost anywhere on Earth sounds like an improvement in safety, convenience and travel.
Gurman's report also addressed rumors of a $1 billion deal between Apple and Google Equipping the long-overdue updated version of Siri with Google Gemini, which was a surprise given Apple's previous public partnership with OpenAI, is a must check out our coverage for full details.
Would you use satellite if Apple improved it? Let us know in the comments below.
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