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According to Tim Farrar, a satellite communications consultant at California-based research firm Telecom, Media and Finance Associates, Apple could announce satellite support for the iPhone 14 at the “Far Out” event.
In a series of tweets explained Farrar said yesterday's satellite connection announcement by T-Mobile and SpaceX was likely intended to preempt the announcement of Apple's own satellite connection for the iPhone 14 in collaboration with Globalstar. Apple is holding a media event at the Steve Jobs Theater on September 7. The event's "Far Out" slogan and starry sky artwork have fueled speculation about a satellite connection announcement.
Regulatory hurdles could slow down the project
In February, Globalstar announced that it had acquired 17 new satellites to provide "continuous satellite services" for a "potential customer," which could be Apple. Farrar said that Apple's service will be offered free at launch only for two-way text messaging and will use existing satellite spectrum without requiring any changes to FCC rules. In comparison, T-Mobile and SpaceX plan to use T-Mobile's mid-band 5G spectrum and support SMS, MMS, and select messaging apps. But Farrar believes this more ambitious approach will face regulatory hurdles around the world. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first reported in December 2019 that Apple was working on satellite support for iPhones. Earlier this year, Gurman said Apple is still working on the feature and that it could debut with the iPhone 14.
Can the iPhone 14 contact satellites?
Gurman claimed the feature is intended for use in emergency situations and will allow iPhone users to report emergencies to authorities and send short text messages to emergency contacts. He added that the feature could also be available on a new Apple Watch. The iPhones would need a special modem chip to connect to the satellites, Gurman said, suggesting the feature will only be compatible with the iPhone 14 and newer models. In comparison, T-Mobile said the "vast majority of smartphones" already on its network can connect to SpaceX's satellites using their existing cellular chips. Further details about Apple's satellite connection, such as whether it will be available only in the US or worldwide, have not yet been announced.
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