Apple is heavily speculated to launch iphone 13 next month. Now, a new research note from Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that the iPhone 13 series may come with Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications connectivity that will allow users to make calls and send messages without the need for cellular coverage. Kuo, in his research note to investors, said that the hardware in the iPhone 13 series may be ready to support communications via LEO satellites in areas where standard 4G and 5G coverage is not available. Kuo indicated that iphone 13 Smartphones may come with a custom chip that supports the new communication experience. Apple is reportedly working with Globalstar which operates the LEO satellite cluster for low-speed data communications and satellite phones.
Kuo said in his note that the iPhone 13 model will allow users to make voice calls and send text messages without the need for a 4G or 5G connection, if enabled with the relevant software features. The iPhone 13 series is said to come with a customized Qualcomm X60 chip to support communication via LEO satellites. Kuo says users of the iPhone 13 will be able to communicate without the need for an additional contract or payment. However, network operators may need to work with Globalstar to enable LEO satellite communications. Kuo also predicted that Apple may expand LEO satellite communications beyond the iPhone 13 lineup and offer its experience on the much-anticipated mixed reality headset, Apple Car and other IoT devices in the future.
In addition to Kuo, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also came out with a report saying that Apple’s emphasis on bringing satellite capabilities to the iPhone will be focused on emergency situations. Gurman said in his report that Apple is developing at least two related emergency features that will rely on satellite networks. Gurman quoted an unnamed source as saying that the iPhone 13 may have hardware to support these satellite features, but they are likely to be added next year.
The first feature, which may be called Emergency Messaging via Satellite, will let users text emergency services and contacts over a satellite network when no cell coverage is available. It will be integrated into the Messages app as a third protocol along with SMS and iMessage. The report states that it will appear with a gray message bubble instead of green or blue.
The second feature, according to the report, focuses on letting users report distress. Here, the iPhone will ask users what kind of emergency they are in, and if it involves a car, boat, plane, or fire. The system is also capable of taking in more specific information, such as whether a person is falling overboard or a ship is sinking, the Bloomberg report said.
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