Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reportedly predicted in an investor note that the iPhone 13 series could come with the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications that would allow users to make calls and send messages without the need for cellular coverage. According to reports, Apple could employ this cutting-edge tech in any of its forthcoming iPhone lineups. There may be a customized chip in the iPhone 13 models to support this new communication experience. Apple is said to be working with American satellite company Globalstar that operates low-Earth orbit satellite constellations for low-speed data communications and satellite phones.
According to MacRumors¹, Kuo in a note to investors claimed that the iPhone 13 models will be able to make voice calls and send text messages without using a 4G or 5G cellular connection. According to reports, the new iPhone lineup uses a Qualcomm X60 baseband chip to support communications via LEO satellites.
Globalstar is reportedly working with Qualcomm to offer satellite communication connectivity using its Snapdragon X65 chip on mobile devices using the n53 band. In the meantime, the iPhone 13 family, appears to get a similar experience through the X60 modem.
Kuo suggested iPhone 13 users would be able to connect to LEO satellites without additional contracts or fees. However, network operators may need to work with Globalstar to enable LEO satellite communication.
LEO satellite communications may be available alongside millimeter wave (mmWave) and sub-6GHz 5G connectivity on the iPhone 13 models.
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Kuo believes Apple will expand LEO satellite communications beyond the iPhone 13 lineup, enabling it to provide its experience on its anticipated mixed reality headset, electric vehicle, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the future.
An article from Bloomberg in 2019 suggests Apple has been working on satellite communications for some time, suggesting a secret team has been created working on the project. Over time, it is expected to provide a distinctive edge.
And now a fresh report from Bloomberg² suggests this new Satellite connectivity would be used for Emergency Messages. That is it would allow you to text emergency services and emergency contacts when you don’t have a cell signal. Messages will be limited in length and represented as grey bubbles instead of the green used for SMS messages and blue used for iMessages. If you’re sending one of these messages to an emergency contact, it will apparently go through even if they have Do Not Disturb mode turned on, so your message will be delivered.
Users will also be able to report emergencies. Bloomberg reports that the phone will ask what kind of emergency is occurring, such as a car accident, the boat capsizes, or fire. You can also send information such as your location and your Medical ID (which you can set up in the Health app). If you report an emergency, you may also be able to notify emergency contacts.
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As of right now, it is unclear whether Apple will offer LEO satellite communication connectivity for regular voice calls and messaging or if it will just be limited to FaceTime and iMessage. Furthermore, the new experience may not be available in global markets since individual telecom operators must work with the satellite company to enable communications without their traditional cellular connection.
The iPhone 13 series, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the iPhone 13 mini, is expected to be launched later this month – as early as September 14 if reports are to be believed, although no official announcement has been made yet.
