Apple appears to be expanding its use of satellites far beyond emergency messaging. Reports indicate the company is developing several new features that could make future iPhones far more capable in areas without cellular coverage.
Among the planned updates is an offline version of Apple Maps that could rely on satellite signals instead of Wi-Fi or mobile networks. Such support would allow users to navigate remote regions where regular service drops, an improvement that builds on Apple’s earlier Emergency SOS system.
The messaging experience is also expected to grow richer. Apple has already enabled text-based communication via satellite, but upcoming versions may allow users to send photos. That upgrade could make the feature practical for travelers, hikers, and anyone moving through signal dead zones who need to share visual information.
Developers may also gain access to new tools built around a satellite framework. The company is said to be preparing an API that lets third-party apps use satellite connectivity when traditional connections fail. Only a limited set of services would qualify, but it marks a notable shift from Apple’s historically closed approach to such technology.
A more advanced hardware change could arrive with the 2026 iPhone lineup, expected to include support for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks. This system enables cell towers to link directly with satellites to extend coverage. It reflects Apple’s gradual push toward hybrid communication systems that blend terrestrial and orbital networks for greater reliability.
Another element in development, referred to internally as “natural usage,” focuses on removing the need for users to point their phones toward the sky to maintain a connection. The company aims to make satellite links work automatically, even if the device is indoors, in a car, or kept in a pocket. This improvement could make off-grid communication feel as seamless as regular mobile service.
Behind the scenes, Apple continues to rely on Globalstar to support its satellite backbone. The firm has already committed more than a billion dollars to strengthen that partnership, and Globalstar’s future could become even more intertwined with Apple’s plans. SpaceX has been rumored as a potential buyer of the satellite operator, a move that might accelerate upgrades to its network if it occurs.
While Apple currently offers its satellite-based features free of charge, future services may involve subscription options or carrier partnerships. The company reportedly discussed ways to let customers pay directly for extended access through satellite providers, though it has no intention of becoming a carrier itself.
For now, Apple’s next steps remain under wraps. Yet the direction is clear: the company wants iPhones to stay connected even when cell towers disappear from sight.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
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Among the planned updates is an offline version of Apple Maps that could rely on satellite signals instead of Wi-Fi or mobile networks. Such support would allow users to navigate remote regions where regular service drops, an improvement that builds on Apple’s earlier Emergency SOS system.
The messaging experience is also expected to grow richer. Apple has already enabled text-based communication via satellite, but upcoming versions may allow users to send photos. That upgrade could make the feature practical for travelers, hikers, and anyone moving through signal dead zones who need to share visual information.
Developers may also gain access to new tools built around a satellite framework. The company is said to be preparing an API that lets third-party apps use satellite connectivity when traditional connections fail. Only a limited set of services would qualify, but it marks a notable shift from Apple’s historically closed approach to such technology.
A more advanced hardware change could arrive with the 2026 iPhone lineup, expected to include support for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks. This system enables cell towers to link directly with satellites to extend coverage. It reflects Apple’s gradual push toward hybrid communication systems that blend terrestrial and orbital networks for greater reliability.
Another element in development, referred to internally as “natural usage,” focuses on removing the need for users to point their phones toward the sky to maintain a connection. The company aims to make satellite links work automatically, even if the device is indoors, in a car, or kept in a pocket. This improvement could make off-grid communication feel as seamless as regular mobile service.
Behind the scenes, Apple continues to rely on Globalstar to support its satellite backbone. The firm has already committed more than a billion dollars to strengthen that partnership, and Globalstar’s future could become even more intertwined with Apple’s plans. SpaceX has been rumored as a potential buyer of the satellite operator, a move that might accelerate upgrades to its network if it occurs.
While Apple currently offers its satellite-based features free of charge, future services may involve subscription options or carrier partnerships. The company reportedly discussed ways to let customers pay directly for extended access through satellite providers, though it has no intention of becoming a carrier itself.
For now, Apple’s next steps remain under wraps. Yet the direction is clear: the company wants iPhones to stay connected even when cell towers disappear from sight.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next:
• Top Digital Solutions for Improving Operational Efficiency in Hotels
• Study Reveals a Triple Threat: Explosive Data Growth, AI Agent Misuse, and Human Error Driving Data Loss
