Apple is working on expanding its satellite features for iPhone and Apple Watch users, but some of them are still a long way off. Latest report from BloombergCupertino has a long list of improvements to its satellite connectivity features, suggests K’s Mark Gorman, but will rely on Globalstar’s network, which will have to make key improvements in the coming years to meet Apple’s demands.
The biggest update is the Satellite Maps feature, which will 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 will allow developers to integrate satellite connectivity into their apps.
Apple wants to further streamline the satellite communication process by eliminating the need to point devices at the sky to lock onto satellites. Future iPhones will be capable of satellite connectivity inside the home and even inside the user’s pocket. A 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 set to bring improved messaging capabilities with the ability to send and receive photos over a satellite connection. Apple stepped up its push toward satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 series, and a new report suggests some executives from Cupertino are on the fence about a broader push into satellite networking, an area traditionally viewed by carriers.
source (PaywallJeez
