Bloomberg indicates that Apple has lofty ambitions to integrate new satellite-based capabilities into the iPhone. The primary aim is to allow iPhone users to maintain a certain level of functionality in circumstances where Wi-Fi or cellular signals are inadequate or entirely absent. Notably, this report emerges just a few weeks after a different rumor suggesting that the iPhone 18 Pro may feature support for enhanced 5G satellite connectivity. Should this rumor prove true, we could witness Apple forming a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Currently, satellite capabilities on the iPhone are primarily confined to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature. First introduced with the iPhone 14 series, Emergency SOS enables users to reach emergency services when their device is completely off the network.
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple broadened satellite functionalities to encompass messaging, though with certain inherent restrictions. For example, non-iPhone users are unable to send messages to iPhone users utilizing a satellite connection unless the recipient is a previously designated emergency contact or family member. Additionally, the satellite messaging feature does not permit the sending of photos or videos. It also lacks support for group chat texting. In summary, current satellite features on the iPhone are practical yet limited. Nonetheless, Apple appears to be keen on substantially enhancing its functionality.
