Apple could be working on a batch of new iPhone satellite features, and I'm cautious but optimistic

• Bloomberg's Apple expert Mark Gurman has reported on rumors of upcoming satellite connectivity upgrades for the iPhone
• Satellite connection was added for emergencies with the iPhone 14 series
• There's no timeline for the rumored upgrades yet

Apple made a big deal of the iPhone’s new satellite capabilities when they launched with the iPhone 14 series back in 2022 – that year’s September Apple Event was titled “Far Out”, and its promo materials had a spacey aesthetic.

However, satellite connectivity wasn’t as big a deal as some fans were expecting at launch, with functionality limited to emergency situations. And although Apple has upgraded capabilities with each subsequent iPhone release, satellite messages and calls are still limited to off-grid comms and emergencies.

However, according to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s resident Apple expert and the most authoritative Apple rumor source on the scene, Apple could be working to change this by expanding the iPhone’s satellite capabilities.

Though the rumored features are varied and have no clear timeframe, Gurman’s report suggests Apple could be looking to integrate satellite connectivity as a more typical form of network connection, alongside traditional cellular networks.

New rumored iPhone satellite features

As mentioned, Gurman’s report mentions a handful of new satellite features.

Personally, I think the most impactful rumored improvements are the simplest: enabling “natural usage” and increasing messaging capabilities.

Here, “natural usage” refers to being able to use satellite connectivity in a range of scenarios, such as in a vehicle or while your phone is in your pocket. At the moment, satellite connectivity requires an unobstructed view of the sky. And Gurman adds that Apple is keen to add image sharing over satellite connection, improving on the current text-only service.

To support this, Apple could add satellite connection over 5G, which would allow iPhones to request satellite information from 5G cell towers.

There could be deeper satellite integration with existing and new apps, too, as Apple is supposedly working on satellite-powered maps in Apple Maps, as well as a satellite API for third-party app developers to make use of.

Connectivity complications

All of this is pretty exciting but, as is typically the case with tech development, far from simple. Gurman mentions possible internal tensions at Apple over whether the company is, or should be, acting like a carrier when it comes to satellite comms.

Additionally, Apple relies on a company called Globalstar for its satellite connectivity, which itself is eyeing a sale, with SpaceX a possible buyer. Apple would naturally be keen to avoid reliance on SpaceX, owned by rival tech magnate Elon Musk, so retaining its own satellite tech where possible does make some sense.

And, as Gurman notes, Apple holding on to its own satellite capabilities would give Cupertino a better foothold if, or when, the tech becomes more common.

Personally, I think Apple has been on a hot streak when it comes to addressing the current needs of consumers lately – just look at the iPhone 17, which finally ticks all the boxes of a good-value flagship smartphone – but I’m sure the company’s vast resources make this kind of future-looking development viable.

And the idea of having network connection pretty much anywhere on Earth sounds like a boost for security, convenience, and travel.

Gurman’s report also touched on the rumored $1 billion deal between Apple and Google to equip 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 connectivity if Apple improved it? Let us know in the comments below.

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