A couple of reports last summer claimed that the iPhone 13 might get support for satellite communication. However, that hasn’t happened, and the iPhone 13 models only support the same types of wireless connections as virtually every other mobile device: Cellular (4G/5G), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and UWB. However, the satellite rumor has resurfaced, and it now claims that the iPhone 14 might support the connectivity standard.
A new rumor has just surfaced regarding the Apple iPhone 14 series. Apparently, the company’s latest generation of smartphones that will be launching later this year will come with satellite connectivity options for emergency scenarios.
Recently, we had even reported on the Cupertino based giant possibly working on a similar satellite feature for its Apple Watch. The primary reason for the inclusion of this system is to allow users to send messages or reach out to emergency services in cases of an actual emergency. This system will reportedly include an “Emergency Message via Contacts” for sending short messages in areas that do not have cellular signals.
In other words, it appears that the brand is looking to include this feature in its other products as well. Interestingly, the iPhone 13 series was also rumored to come with such technology as well, although, this was skipped on the 2021 iPhone. So, it is entirely possible that we won’t see this feature appear on the iPhone 14 lineup as well. Although, the latest news from Mark Gurman says otherwise.
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Through satellite connectivity, users would be able to send text messages or SOS responses via a satellite network to report on accidents, similar to the one on the brand’s smartwatch. All in all, this will just be quite a bit helpful for Apple customers that find themselves stuck in certain worst case scenarios, and potentially even save lives.
According to that report, Apple has been working to bring satellite connectivity to iPhone for a few years. The feature, however, might not be as exciting as it sounds. The feature would work in emergencies only rather than allowing users to call and text other people over satellite instead of cellular lines.
Apple has been working on two types of features for the iPhone. One is called Emergency Message via Satellite. It’s actually an excellent idea for improving emergency services on iPhone. Users would be able to text emergency services for help over satellite when out of cellular service.
The other feature would let iPhone owners report major emergencies over satellite in instances where a regular cellular connection might not be available. Gurman’s quote from the Apple Watch story also references the same functionality.
It’s unclear whether these satellite communications features will be available on iPhone 14 this year. It’s likely that the feature will require specific hardware. That would mean not all iOS devices that can run the upcoming iOS 16 operating system would get support for satellite texting.
Gurman has been accurate with his previous reports on unreleased Apple products. But that’s not enough to confirm that the iPhone 14 series will support satellite connectivity. Apple might always change its mind. Or enable the functionality much later.