Four Satellite Upgrades, Four Hidden AI Features: Leaks Might Have Revealed Apple’s iOS 27 Master Plan

By Shikhar Mehrotra • Updated On 17 Apr 2026

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TL; DR

Two developments, separate but equally important, have surfaced this week.
While the first is about iPhone’s satellite connectivity, the second is about upcoming Apple Intelligence features.
Together, they paint the picture of just how ambitiously the company is painting the iOS 27 picture.

Two developments, separate but equally important, have surfaced this week. While the first is about iPhone’s satellite connectivity, the second is about upcoming Apple Intelligence features. Together, they paint the picture of just how ambitiously the company is painting the iOS 27 picture.

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Four New Satellite Features For iPhones?

Not a lot of people know this, but Apple’s satellite partner, GlobalStar, the company that has facilitated satellite connectivity on iPhone for years, has been acquired by Amazon. Now, Apple is working closely with the e-commerce giant on the next chapter of iPhone’s satellite connectivity.

Several reports suggest that Apple’s purported iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Fold could get the long-rumored 5G connectivity via satellite, thanks to Apple’s new C2 modem. That would dramatically improve upload/download speeds compared to what current satellite connections offer (usually used for emergency messaging or calling).

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When that happens, the Messages app could also get the ability to share and receive photos over satellite. Another one is Apple Maps becoming usable over satellite connection, which would extend navigation to areas with no cellular coverage. Fourth and last, Apple is reportedly working on a third-party satellite API, which would allow developers to integrate satellite connectivity into their apps.

Apple’s Hidden Code Also Teases Four New AI Features

Separately, Visual Intelligence could get at least two new features: one that might allow users to scan food nutrition labels, potentially linked with the Health app, and another that could allow users to add printed phone numbers and addresses directly into the Contacts app.

The Wallet app is expected to generate digital passes of gym memberships or event tickets by scanning them, while Safari might get the ability to auto-name Tab Groups, loosely based on what the tabs are about.

Also Read: YouTube finally lets users turn off Shorts with new feed limit setting

All the information mentioned here is based on early leaks, so take it with a pinch of salt.

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Shikhar Mehrotra

Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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