Update: Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has revealed that Apple is planning to use this satellite communication capability first for emergency services where a user might need to send texts or contact first responders in areas of no coverage. While the iPhone 13 will have the hardware, Mark Gurman believes that the feature will likely roll out next year.
Earlier: The launch of the iPhone 13 series is right around the corner, and the rumours about its upcoming features are picking up rapidly. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is reportedly working on adding support for low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication connectivity with the iPhone 13.
To enable satellite communications support, the iPhone 13 series will feature a customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip. The advantage of having LEO satellite communication connectivity is the ability to send messages and make calls without needing 4G or 5G cellular connection. Understandably, this is also a great feature to have in areas of no cellular connectivity.
There are a couple of LEO satellite connectivity providers, and Apple is likely to use the services of a company known as Globalstar. Other sources have also revealed that Qualcomm is working with Globalstar on the development of their future X65 baseband chips.
Apple is reportedly is “optimistic” about the trend of satellite communications, and if the technology does take off, Apple might integrate the feature across their range of products such as mixed reality head-mounted display devices, electric vehicles, etc.