Kuo: Apple Has Completed Hardware Tests for iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity, But Launch Depends on Partners - MacRumors
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Kuo: Apple Has Completed Hardware Tests for iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity, But Launch Depends on Partners

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Apple is indeed working on satellite connectivity for the iPhone 14 and completed hardware tests for the feature ahead of mass production, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iPhone 14 Lineup Feature Purple
Kuo says that Apple has the hardware support for satellite connectivity, but whether the iPhone 14 will support satellite communications depends on "whether Apple and operators can settle the business model." The iPhone 13 also has satellite hardware, but connectivity was not implemented because "the business model had not been negotiated."

According to Kuo, it is "hard to predict" when the iPhone will offer satellite communication services, but it is expected to happen "eventually." When it is implemented, in the iPhone 14 or beyond, satellite connectivity will be used for emergency texting and voice services. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said that iPhone users will be able to use satellite connectivity to report emergencies to authorities in areas with no cellular service, and send short messages to contacts in the event of an emergency.

Rumors have suggested that Apple is working with Globalstar, and Kuo says that is indeed the operator that Apple is most likely to partner with. Satellite communications consultant Tim Ferrar said on Friday that he expects Apple and Globalstar to launch a satellite communications feature for the iPhone 14.

T-Mobile and SpaceX last week announced a plan to provide smartphone connectivity anywhere in the United States using "satellite-to-cellular" service, and the timing of the announcement may have been planned to preempt Apple's own satellite-related announcement. SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to launch a beta of the service in 2023, and it likely will not require an iPhone 14.

Tag: Ming-Chi Kuo
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Mr. Dee Avatar
Mr. Dee
47 months ago
I can see the YouTubers choosing to get lost in some remote wilderness just to test this out.

OMG! I am lost and now I'm found this is so amazing!!!! - iJustine
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BigJohno Avatar
BigJohno
47 months ago
I've been waiting for this feature since it was first rumored a few years ago. It's perfect for my backpacking trips!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
t0rqx
47 months ago
Let me guess. Official release with iPhone 15. iPhone 14 is able to get it too. But iPhone 13 won’t be compatible…even though it has the hardware.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macsplusmacs Avatar
macsplusmacs
47 months ago
Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown, engines on
Check ignition and may God's love be with you

Spoken:
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Lift-off
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
MayaUser
47 months ago
This should depends on the governments not carriers...this can be a must have safety feature if we have the hardware for it
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NT1440 Avatar
NT1440
47 months ago

It's not meant to be a "feature" that you use. This is supposed to be an emergency service to ensure critical messages can be delivered in the event of disaster and cellular outage.
…hence why it would be perfect for backpacking trips where you rarely get service.

Emergency locators and communication devices for hikers are *expensive*. Having it right there on your phone is a big deal for that community and will likely result in a significant number of people NOT dying needlessly because they never ponies up for a stand-alone emergency communicator/beacon.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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