Rumors of Apple working on adding satellite connectivity to the iPhone have been circulating since last year. The company has reportedly also discussed bringing such a feature to a future version of the Apple Watch.
Apple wants to use satellite connectivity to allow iPhone users to send SOS messages when they are in a no-network zone.
Satellite connectivity could come to Apple Watch in the future
Apple engineers internally refer to the feature as Emergency Message via Satellite. It will enable compatible iPhone owners to send SOS messages and reach first responders. Another feature will allow users to report shootings, boating accidents, etc.
In the latest edition of Bloomberg‘s Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reveals that the Cupertino giant has discussed bringing this feature to a future version of the Apple Watch. He believes such an option would be ideal for a subsequent Apple Watch Pro model.
Apple is rumored to announce the first Apple Watch ‘Pro’ model at its September 7 event. The smartwatch could feature a 47mm casing housing a flat 1.99-inch display and a beefier cell for longer battery life.
Will the iPhone 14 feature satellite connectivity?
Analysts believe Apple could offer satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14. The feature will allow the device to exchange text via low-orbit satellites when out of network coverage. The Cupertino giant is reportedly working with Globalstar, which owns a constellation of LEO satellites, on this.
As of now, it is unclear if the iPhone 14 will indeed feature satellite connectivity or not. However, Globalstar has reportedly worked on laying the groundwork for this technology throughout this year. Apple’s “far out” September 7 event theme does hint at satellite communications being on the agenda.
T-Mobile recently teamed up with SpaceX and announced its plans to bring satellite connectivity to the U.S. The companies plan to roll out the network by the end of 2023 for all compatible other smartphones on the Un-carrier network.
