US EditionYour iPhone’s Satellite Connectivity Could Soon Get Five Big Upgrades
Apple plans five new satellite features to improve iPhone use in remote, indoor, and urban areas, including offline Apple Maps and photo messaging via satellite.
- Recently, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported Apple is developing five new satellite features to broaden iPhone satellite use beyond emergency tools, though the plans remain rumors for now.
- When Apple first added satellite tools in 2022 with Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone 14, it followed nearly a decade of hiring senior satellite engineers from Alphabet and reflects a long-term strategic commitment.
- Apple is reportedly planning specific upgrades such as Apple Maps enabling offline satellite navigation, Messages supporting photo sending via satellite, and an API for third-party app developers to integrate satellite messaging and data transfer.
- Gurman notes the likely cost structure: basic satellite tools remain free while advanced services offered via paid plans through satellite carriers, enabling iPhone users to connect indoors and in underserved areas.
- Looking ahead, Apple is linked to 5G NTN plans for the iPhone 18 series in 2026 while debating satellite operations amid Globalstar sale talks and SpaceX interest, despite facing interoperability and modem challenges.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Apple's quiet satellite strategy is starting to look like a long-term play for global coverage
Nearly a decade after hiring two senior satellite engineers from Alphabet to explore off-world communications, Apple's once-secret project has become a core part of its connectivity roadmap. What began as a radical plan to bypass wireless carriers entirely has evolved into a cautious, technically complex expansion of mobile services via...Read Entire Article
Apple leads the integration of satellite communications into smartphones and smartphones. As such, the company is testing 5 news. Apple is moving forward to transform the connectivity via iPhone satellite, passing...
Apple’s Next Wave of Satellite Features for iPhone
What to knowApple is developing satellite-powered Apple Maps for offline navigation.Photos will soon be supported in Messages via satellite, going beyond text-only messaging.Satellite connectivity will work indoors, in pockets, or inside vehicles, removing the need to point the device skyward.5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) support will allow cell towers to use satellites for broader coverage.Apple is building an API framework for third-pa…
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