News: 0180021024

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Apple Explores New Satellite Features for Future iPhones (macobserver.com)

(Monday November 10, 2025 @04:30AM (EditorDavid) from the think-different dept.)


In 2022 the iPhone 14 featured emergency satellite service, and there's now support for roadside assistance and the ability to send and receive text messages.

But for future iPhones, Apple is now reportedly [1]working on five new satellite features , reports LiveMint:

> As per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is building an API that would allow developers to add satellite connections to their own apps. However, the implementation is said to depend on app makers, and not every feature or service may be compatible with this system. The iPhone maker is also reportedly working on bringing satellite connectivity to Apple Maps, which would give users the chance to navigate without having access to a SIM card or Wi-Fi. The company is also said to be working on improved satellite messages that could support sending photos and not be limited to just text messages. Apple currently relies on the satellite network run by Globalstar to power current features on iPhones. However, the company is said to be exploring a potential sale, and Elon Musk's SpaceX could be a possible purchaser.

The Mac Observer notes Bloomberg also reported Apple "has [2]discussed building its own satellite service instead of depending on partners." And while some Apple executives pushed back, "the company continues to fund satellite research and infrastructure upgrades with the goal of offering a broader range of features."

And "Future iPhones will use satellite links to extend 5G coverage in low-signal regions, ensuring that users remain connected even when cell towers are out of range.... Apple's slow but steady progress shows how the company wants iPhone satellite technology to move from emergency use to everyday convenience."



[1] https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/apple-may-be-preparing-five-new-satellite-features-for-iphones-here-s-what-we-know-11762700106889.html

[2] https://www.macobserver.com/news/apple-is-planning-some-really-cool-satellite-features-for-iphone/



Apple Missing The Boat (Score:1)

by SlashbotAgent ( 6477336 )

Apple is missing the boat with this. They need to focus on Starlink, or Starlink-like service.

Starlink's Direct to Cell service is the way to go.

Re: (Score:2)

by alvinrod ( 889928 )

The only reason for Apple to need their own satellites is if they wanted to offer a replacement for cellular providers. Having something that works around the globe would be a good selling point. You can already imagine the sappy commercial set to He's Got the Whole World in His Hands they'd use to sell it to the masses. I think I can hear Jobs weeping in his grave at the mere suggestion.

Too bad it'll never come to pass. No government would permit such a thing.

Re:Stinks Like Musk (Score:4, Insightful)

by Applehu Akbar ( 2968043 )

> It's not worth having a Nazi service.

Because that's the term you people apply to everyone except, curiously, the actual folks who paint swastikas on synagogues.

Re: (Score:1, Troll)

by ArchieBunker ( 132337 )

You have another name for someone who does a sig heil and is the key note speaker for a German right wing party?

we dont need SIM card or wifi to navigate (Score:2)

by n0w0rries ( 832057 )

which would give users the chance to navigate without having access to a SIM card or Wi-Fi

this technology already exists. the phone has a gps. it has the ability to load a map on it.

what's missing is the ability to spy on people wherever they are, and serve them ads. that needs wifi or sim card or satellite.

Like huawei has? (Score:2)

by dwater ( 72834 )

I guess there is something different...

Re: (Score:2)

by ArchieBunker ( 132337 )

My government has forbidden me from buying their products.

Re: (Score:2)

by registrations_suck ( 1075251 )

No it hasn't. You're welcome to buy their products, while outside the U.S.

Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.
-- Nasreddin, via Jim Horning
( https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Jim_Horning )