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Apple is rapidly moving beyond merely equipping its iPhones with satellite connectivity, and plans to introduce at least five new satellite-based features shortly. Mark Gurman: Apple is planning to introduce at least five new satellite-based features to iPhones Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has divulged Apple's expansive satellite connectivity-related plans in his latest Power On newsletter, disclosing that the Cupertino giant intends to introduce a number of new features to its iPhones: Apple Maps upgrade Apple is planning to substantially upgrade the utility of its Maps app by allowing satellite connectivity to power navigation in situations where Wi-Fi or cellular broadband is either unavailable or spotty. Messages App upgrade The iPhone manufacturer is also planning to upgrade its Messages app by bringing the ability to send text messages as well as rich content - which includes photos, emojis, and Tapbacks - via satellite connectivity. Hardware upgrades for natural usage Apple intends to leverage latest tech advancements and hardware upgrades to allow users to maintain satellite connectivity even indoors, where a line-of-sight connection to a supported satellite is generally not possible. Satellite-based cellular 5G broadband Next-gen iPhones are expected to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, which allows cell towers to use satellites to extend their coverage. Third-party app support Finally, the Cupertino giant is planning to furnish an API that would allow third-party developers to integrate satellite connectivity within their apps. Do note that Apple does not plan to enable phone calls, video calls, or web browsing via satellite connectivity, at least currently. Also, many of these features are likely to be packaged as a paid add-on. For the benefit of those who might not be aware, Apple currently uses Globalstar's satellite connectivity for its 'Emergency SOS' service, which allows users with recent iPhones (iPhone 14 and up) to contact emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage by enabling location sharing and messages exchange with personal contacts and first responders. Of course, many of the features disclosed today require Globalstar to upgrade its infrastructure. Gurman believes if SpaceX were to acquire Globalstar, Apple would be able to rollout these features a lot faster. Recently, The Information reported that Apple and SpaceX might enter into a tie-up for enabling satellite connectivity features on iPhones, pointing to SpaceX's new Starlink satellite designs, which now support the radio spectrum that Apple uses for its iPhones, as well as the fact that Apple and Globalstar appear to be drifting apart, with the chair of Globalstar, James Monroe, recently discussing the possibility of selling his company for over $10 billion.
