Apple is working on expanding its satellite features for iPhone and Apple Watch users, but some of those are still a long way away. The latest report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Cupertino has a long list of improvements for its satellite connectivity features, but those will rely on Globalstar’s network, which will have to undergo key improvements in the coming years to meet Apple’s demands.
The biggest update is the satellite maps feature, which would allow iPhone and Apple Watch users to use Apple Maps and navigate in areas without cellular connectivity. Apple is also reportedly building an application programming interface (API) for third-party apps, which would allow developers to integrate satellite connectivity within their apps.
Apple wants to make the satellite connectivity process more streamlined by eliminating the need to point devices toward the sky in order to lock on to satellites. Future iPhones would be able to have satellite connectivity indoors and even inside users’ pockets. One key push for next year’s iPhone 18 series will be the addition of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) support, which allows carriers to tap into satellites for expanded network coverage.
Apple is also gearing up to bring enhanced messaging capabilities with the ability to send and receive photos over a satellite connection. Apple accelerated its push to satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 series, and the new report suggests that some executives from Cupertino are on the fence over the broader push into satellite networking, which is seen as an area traditionally handled by carriers.
Source (paywall)