Key Points
- Apple is reportedly planning to expand its iPhone satellite capabilities significantly.
- Future features could include sending photos via satellite and adding satellite connectivity to Apple Maps.
- Apple is also looking into 5G NTN support, which would boost cell tower coverage.
- Improvements are being made to allow for a more “natural” connection, without needing a clear view of the sky.
Your iPhone might soon be able to do a lot more with its satellite connection, beyond just calling for emergency help. According to the latest Power On newsletter from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to expand satellite features on its iPhones significantly.
Last year, Apple introduced the ability to send and receive text messages via satellite. Now, the company is reportedly looking to take this a step further by allowing users to send photos as well.
But the plans don’t stop there. Gurman reports that Apple wants to add 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) support to its iPhones. This technology would allow cell towers to boost coverage by connecting to satellites, improving service in areas with weak signals. Additionally, for those who find themselves lost in remote areas without cell or Wi-Fi service, Apple is reportedly planning to bring satellite connectivity to Apple Maps.
Apple is also working on making the user experience more seamless. Gurman says the company is looking into “natural usage” improvements, so users won’t have to point their iPhones directly at the sky to connect to a satellite. An iPhone could stay connected even when it doesn’t have a clear view of the sky, such as when you’re indoors.
For app developers, Apple is reportedly working on an API (Application Programming Interface) that would allow them to add satellite connections to their own apps. This could open up a whole new world of possibilities for apps that need to work in remote locations.
There’s no set timeline for when these new satellite features will be released. However, it’s worth noting that Apple waited a couple of years between introducing Emergency SOS via Satellite in 2022 and Messages via Satellite with the release of iOS 18.
