Subj : Apple could be working on a batch of new iPhone satellite feature To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Mon Nov 10 2025 13:30:08 Apple could be working on a batch of new iPhone satellite features, and I'm cautious but optimistic Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:23:36 +0000 Description: Bloombergs Mark Gurman has suggested that Apple could be working on developing the iPhones satellite capability. FULL STORY ======================================================================Bloomber g's Apple expert Mark Gurman has reported on rumors of upcoming satellite connectivity upgrades for the iPhone Satellite connection was added for emergencies with the iPhone 14 series There's no timeline for the rumored upgrades yet Apple made a big deal of the iPhones new satellite capabilities when they launched with the iPhone 14 series back in 2022 that years September Apple Event was titled Far Out, and its promo materials had a spacey aesthetic. However, satellite connectivity wasnt as big a deal as some fans were expecting at launch, with functionality limited to emergency situations. And although Apple has upgraded capabilities with each subsequent iPhone release, satellite messages and calls are still limited to off-grid comms and emergencies. However, according to Mark Gurman, Bloombergs resident Apple expert and the most authoritative Apple rumor source on the scene, Apple could be working to change this by expanding the iPhones satellite capabilities . Though the rumored features are varied and have no clear timeframe, Gurmans report suggests Apple could be looking to integrate satellite connectivity as a more typical form of network connection, alongside traditional cellular networks. New rumored iPhone satellite features Satellite connection came to iPhone with the iPhone 14 series (iPhone 14 Pro Max pictured) (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd) As mentioned, Gurmans report mentions a handful of new satellite features. Personally, I think the most impactful rumored improvements are the simplest: enabling natural usage and increasing messaging capabilities. Here, natural usage refers to being able to use satellite connectivity in a range of scenarios, such as in a vehicle or while your phone is in your pocket. At the moment, satellite connectivity requires an unobstructed view of the sky. And Gurman adds that Apple is keen to add image sharing over satellite connection, improving on the current text-only service. To support this, Apple could add satellite connection over 5G, which would allow iPhones to request satellite information from 5G cell towers. There could be deeper satellite integration with existing and new apps, too, as Apple is supposedly working on satellite-powered maps in Apple Maps, as well as a satellite API for third-party app developers to make use of. Connectivity complications Apple has been investing in proprietary network hardware, such as the C1 modem that debuted with the iPhone 16e (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) All of this is pretty exciting but, as is typically the case with tech development, far from simple. Gurman mentions possible internal tensions at Apple over whether the company is, or should be, acting like a carrier when it comes to satellite comms. Additionally, Apple relies on a company called Globalstar for its satellite connectivity, which itself is eyeing a sale, with SpaceX a possible buyer. Apple would naturally be keen to avoid reliance on SpaceX, owned by rival tech magnate Elon Musk, so retaining its own satellite tech where possible does make some sense. And, as Gurman notes, Apple holding on to its own satellite capabilities would give Cupertino a better foothold if, or when, the tech becomes more common. Personally, I think Apple has been on a hot streak when it comes to addressing the current needs of consumers lately just look at the iPhone 17, which finally ticks all the boxes of a good-value flagship smartphone but Im sure the companys vast resources make this kind of future-looking development viable. And the idea of having network connection pretty much anywhere on Earth sounds like a boost for security, convenience, and travel. Gurmans report also touched on the rumored $1 billion deal between Apple and Google to equip the long-overdue revamped Siri with Google Gemini, which came as a surprise given Apples previous public partnership with OpenAI be sure to check out our coverage for a full breakdown . Would you use satellite connectivity if Apple improved it? Let us know in the comments below. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too. ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/apple-could-be-working-on-a-batch-of-n ew-iphone-satellite-features-and-im-cautious-but-optimistic --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .