iPhone 14 could connect to satellites to remove coverage problems

Apple is rumoured to be bringing satellite connectivity to its iPhone range, and has been for some time. In fact, recent speculation suggests we may even see it – in a somewhat limited form – launched on iPhone 14 series.

With T-Mobile and SpaceX having recently announced a partnership to offer satellite coverage to customers, some suggest this was timed purposefully to get in ahead of the Apple announced when the iPhone 14 series is announced on 7 September.

Tim Farrar – a satellite communication and spectrum consultant – suggests that Apple has partnered with Globalstar to offer free messaging over its satellite connection. 

It is worth noting here that it’s anticipated that messaging will be the only service to use this connection at launch. As part of a tweet thread Farrar states that “no voice calls or photos” will be available, due to the investment in additional satellites required to make that work. 

Importantly, Apple will be using existing satellite spectrum, with no need for any rule changes from the FCC. However, the service will be limited just to two-way texting – no voice calls or photos unless they invest in a new multi-billion dollar constellation (5/n)

— Tim Farrar (@TMFAssociates) August 26, 2022

If the speculation is correct it may just be, then, that Apple is planning to offer this as a backup service for those moments where you have no cellular coverage and need to get in touch with someone in an emergency. 

Whether or not that would eventually become a fully-fledged service with calls also included is yet to be seen. We first need to wait until this is official, since – at the moment – it’s just rumour.