A foreign media report said Apple will significantly upgrade the satellite communication features offered on iPhone and Apple Watch.
According to Bloomberg on the 9th (local time), Apple plans to add the following to the next-generation satellite communication features under development: ▲ a satellite framework for third-party apps ▲ Apple Maps that works without cellular and Wi-Fi consolidation ▲ the ability to send photos in the Messages app via satellite consolidation ▲ easier satellite consolidation indoors ▲ support for 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network)-based satellite communication.
However, it is known that there are currently no plans to expand to voice currency, video currency, or web browsing via satellite.
Apple introduced the "Emergency SOS" feature, which allows users to request emergency rescue via satellite, with the launch of the iPhone 14 in 2022. Recently, it added a feature that lets users exchange text messages not only in emergencies but also when the power grid is down.
Apple currently provides satellite consolidation features for free. However, it is likely to shift to a model in which users pay fees directly to satellite carriers in the future. Apple appears set to create a paid option that offers expanded consolidation by partnering with companies such as SpaceX.
Bloomberg said there had been internal discussions at Apple about offering its own satellite service, but they fell through over concerns that Apple should not act like a carrier.
According to Bloomberg, the expansion of these features would require infrastructure upgrades at satellite communications company Globalstar, in which Apple invested about $1.1 billion. Bloomberg said that if SpaceX acquires Globalstar, these improvements could be carried out more quickly.