Elon Musk: 'We've Had Promising Conversations With Apple About Starlink Connectivity'
With the launch of the iPhone 14 models yesterday, Apple introduced a new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that's designed to allow iPhone users to get emergency help in off-the-grid areas even when a cellular or WiFi connection is not available.
Apple is using Globalstar satellites for the endeavor at the current time, but SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed today that his company has had "some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity."
Musk says that the iPhone team is "super smart," and that space to iPhone communications will work best if "if phone software & hardware adapt to space-based signals vs Starlink purely emulating cell tower."
Apple has made zero mention of any discussions with SpaceX about Starlink, and there is no word if Apple has plans to enter into some kind of partnership to use Starlink technology.
In fact, SpaceX and Tesla in August announced a partnership for a new "satellite-to-cellular" service that will allow second-generation Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit to pair with T-Mobile's mid-band 5G spectrum for the purpose of providing "near complete coverage" across most areas in the United States.
Unlike Apple's satellite feature that requires an iPhone 14, T-Mobile and SpaceX's solution should work with existing smartphones. The service will not launch until late 2023, so there are still some details that SpaceX and T-Mobile need to work out.
Apple's satellite communication feature is designed for emergency situations, and it is used to to send short text messages to emergency personnel to allow iPhone users to get help wherever they are. It requires a clear line of sight to the sky for a satellite to connect, and Apple's service is free for the time being.
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With the iPhone 14 models, Apple is introducing a new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that is designed to allow emergency messages to be sent even when cellular and WiFi connections are unavailable.
We thought we'd highlight some of the features of the new satellite functionality for those of you who are curious about how it works.
When It Works
Satellite connectivity is available to...
Apple today officially launched the new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that's available for the iPhone 14 models, so we thought we'd test it out to see just how it works.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Emergency SOS via satellite is designed to allow users to connect to emergency services when no cellular or WiFi connection is available, such as when out...
T-Mobile and SpaceX today announced a plan to offer smartphone connectivity nearly anywhere in the U.S. with a new "satellite-to-cellular" service.
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Apple today shared an ad titled "The Rescue" that demonstrates the iPhone 14's new Emergency SOS via Satellite safety feature in action. The video was first shared during Apple's September event for the iPhone 14, and it has now been shared on a standalone basis and will likely air as a TV commercial over the coming months.
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Tuesday November 15, 2022 5:44 am PST by
Sami FathiApple today announced that the iPhone 14's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature will begin rolling out to customers in the United States and Canada starting today, with other countries coming later next month. Alongside the announcement, Apple also gave select YouTubers and media outlets early access to the feature, offering a closer look at how it works. The service will be free for the...
Apple today confirmed in a press release that Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone 14 models will be launching in the U.S. and Canada later this month. Apple has still not provided a specific release date or iOS version required for the feature.
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All four iPhone 14 models support a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that will allow the devices to connect directly to a satellite, enabling users to send text messages to emergency services when outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Apple says the feature will launch in November, and while the company has yet to provide a more specific release date, we have outlined the most...
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.
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...
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