Last week, trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple's will support LEO satellite communications new iPhone 13 series , which means users will be able to make calls and send messages even when there is no 4G/5G network coverage. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman then gave more details about this very useful feature and its implementation.
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman gives more information and says that the iPhone 13's satellite communications will only be available in select markets.
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“The emergency features will only work in areas without cellular network coverage and only in select markets. Apple envisions eventually developing its own array of satellites to relay data to devices, but that plan could be years away from realization.“.
It also says that Apple will not allow iPhone users to make calls without network coverage (contrary to the rumor that had circulated).
“Some people have asked me if these new features mean the iPhone can be used as a satellite phone and have the ability to make calls anywhere in the world without network coverage. The answer is a big no. That's not happening now, next year, or anytime in the near future“.
See also: 82% of Android users are not interested in the iPhone 13 due to limitations
Gurman explains that this feature requires hardware that is not yet ready. It would also be “expensive and could cause backlash from the carriers that Apple relies on.”
According to the Bloomberg, Apple is working on two things: transmitting short emergency messages and sending SOS distress signals for crises, such as plane crashes or shipwrecks, in remote areas.
See also: iPhone 13 price: Will you pay more than you expected?
Apple will apparently enable satellite communications by integrating emergency messaging into the Messages app. This will allow users to communicate with emergency services and close friends even when they don't have any cell signal. As for phone calls, nothing is certain.
According to the report, connecting to a satellite requires the user to be outside. It can take up to a minute to receive a signal.
Apple is expected to officially unveil its new iPhone lineup at an event later this month, so we'll soon see if the company will bring satellite communications to the iPhone 13 and what exactly it will enable.
Source: 9to5mac
