There are five new satellite features coming to your iPhone: here they are

Apple is currently working on five new satellite features for the iPhone – we’ll tell you what they are and what you can expect from them.

5 satellite functions for your iPhone

The rumor that Apple is working on 5 new satellite features for the iPhone comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He writes about it in the latest version of his ‘Power On’ newsletter. These are the satellite features you can expect in a while:

1. Apple Maps via satellite

Navigate with Apple Maps without a cellular connection or WiFi.

2. Photos in Messages via Satellite

Support for sending photos in the Messages app using a satellite connection.

3. Natural use

Satellite connection at home, so without having to physically point the iPhone towards the open sky.

4. Satellite for 5G

Support for 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), allowing cell towers to use satellites for greater 5G coverage.

5. Satellite API for third-party apps

An API (Application Programming Interface) that allows developers to voluntarily integrate satellite connectivity into their apps. Not all features and services will be compatible.

There are apparently no current plans to enable satellite functions for phone calls, video calls or internet browsing.

Not free

Apple’s current satellite features are available for free. For more advanced features in the future, Apple is said to be planning to charge customers directly to satellite providers. Apple could also create a paid option for expanded satellite connections with a company like SpaceX. According to Gurman, there have also been discussions within the company about offering its own satellite service. Those plans have now been canceled due to concerns about the fact that Apple would have to behave as a provider.

Many of the new satellite features under development apparently require infrastructure upgrades Globalstar. Partly because of this, it is not yet clear when the new satellite functions will actually become available. Gurman says the necessary improvements can be made more quickly if SpaceX Globalstar takes over.

Newsletter

Don’t want to miss any of the developments at Apple? Then sign up for our newsletter. We will then automatically keep you informed!