According to recent rumors, Apple is currently developing five advanced satellite functions for the iPhone that far exceed the capabilities of current emergency functions. This is evident from the latest edition of the ‘Power On’ newsletter from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.
The new features should transform satellite connectivity from a stopgap to a normal communications option when an active mobile connection is no longer possible. Apple would like to expand its satellite offering to include maps and third-party apps.
Apple is working on five new satellite features
Gurman reports in his newsletter that Apple is busy expanding its satellite functions for the iPhone. According to its sources, Apple would like to expand this to a full-fledged package where the natural use of your iPhone is paramount, even if you do not have a working internet connection. Bloomberg reveals which options we can expect later:
Maps and navigation without a network
Apple Map will support satellite navigation, allowing you to navigate without a mobile connection or WiFi. This differs from the current offline mapping feature, as satellite connectivity may enable real-time features such as traffic information, location sharing and public transport updates.
Send photos via satellite
The Messages app may be expanded with the ability to send photos via a satellite connection. Currently, satellite communications on iPhone only supports text messaging, making this expansion a significant step forward for users in remote areas.
5G via satellites
With support for 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), cell towers will soon be able to deploy satellites for greater 5G coverage. This feature is expected for next year’s iPhone models and should ensure that you are less likely to end up in areas without a usable network.
Indoor satellite use
Apple is working on what the company calls “natural use”: satellite connectivity that works without having to point the iPhone at the open sky. The feature should continue to work even indoors, in your car or in your pocket, rather than the current situation where you need an unobstructed view of the sky.
API for developers
Apple is developing an Application Programming Interface (API) that will allow app developers to voluntarily integrate satellite connectivity into their own apps. Not all apps and services will be compatible with this, but it does open the door for messaging apps, navigation tools and possibly even social media platforms to function in remote locations.
Subscription may be required
At the time of writing, Apple’s current satellite functionalities are still accessible for free after activating your iPhone 14 or newer. For more advanced features that may become available in the future, Apple is considering a payment model where customers pay directly to satellite providers.
Apple could also introduce a paid option for more extensive satellite connections, possibly in collaboration with a company such as SpaceX. Internally, Apple has also discussed offering its own satellite service, but these plans have been halted for the time being due to concerns that Apple would then have to position itself as a provider.
Important role for Globalstar
Implementing new satellite features will require significant upgrades to the infrastructure of Globalstar, the satellite company that Apple partners with. Apple invested $1.5 billion in Globalstar last year for a 20 percent stake in the company. Globalstar is currently considering a possible sale and has had early discussions with SpaceX, among others. If SpaceX acquires Globalstar, infrastructure improvements can be implemented more quickly.
When available?
Apple has not yet announced a concrete timeline for the rollout of these satellite features. The required upgrades to Globalstar’s infrastructure and the uncertain future of the satellite company make it difficult to estimate when the functions will actually become available. The new satellite features for iPhone are expected to be introduced in late 2026 or 2027.