Apple's efforts to bring satellite capabilities to the iPhone 13 focus on emergency situations, allowing users to send text messages to first responders and report incidents in areas with no cellular coverage. The company is developing at least two emergency-related features that rely on satellite networks, aiming to launch them in future iPhone models. Bloomberg reported that Apple has been working on satellite technology for years, with a team exploring this concept since at least 2017. Speculation about the next iPhone featuring satellite capabilities increased this week after analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the phone is likely operating with spectrum owned by Globalstar.
This has led to speculation that the iPhone could become something akin to a satellite phone, freeing users from having to rely on cellular networks. However, the company's initial plan was limited in scope, focusing on helping customers handle crisis scenarios. Although the upcoming iPhone may contain the necessary hardware for satellite communications, it is unlikely that the features will be ready before next year, and they may also be altered or canceled before their release.
The first component, called "Emergency Satellite Messaging," allows users to send text messages to emergency services and contacts via satellite network when cellular signal is unavailable, as reported by the Arab Gateway for Technology News. This feature is integrated into the Messages app as a third protocol—alongside standard SMS and iMessage—and appears with gray text bubbles instead of green or blue.
The second feature is a tool for reporting major emergencies, such as airplane crashes and ship sinkings, also using satellite networks. The satellite text messaging tool, codenamed "Stewie" internally, restricts messages to shorter lengths. Texts automatically go to the emergency contact's phone, even if the "Do Not Disturb" setting is activated. One planned design allows users to send the message by typing "Emergency SOS" where they would normally enter the name of a contact.
