Apple is planning to bring satellite capabilities to the iPhone, focusing initial on emergency messaging for areas without cellular coverage, Bloomberg reports citing people with knowledge of the situation. Speculation that the next iPhone will have satellite capabilities increased after TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the phone will probably work with spectrum owned by Globalstar.
According to Bloomberg's sources, the satellite features will be limited to start and are unlikely to be ready before next year. An Apple representative declined to comment.
The first component, dubbed Emergency Message via Satellite, would let users text emergency services and contacts over a satellite network when there’s no cell signal available. That feature will be integrated into the Messages app as a third protocol, alongside standard SMS and iMessage.
The second feature will be a tool to report major emergencies, such as plane crashes and sinking ships, also using satellite networks. Codenamed 'Stewie' inside Apple, this will restrict messages to a shorter length. The texts will automatically push through to an emergency contact’s phone, even if the do-not-disturb setting is on.
One planned design will let a user send the message by typing “Emergency SOS” where they would usually input a contact name. In addition to delivering texts, the service may eventually be able to handle some phone calls too.
According to the report, Apple has even considered eventually deploying its own satellites. However, the features currently in development are likely to rely on existing networks. It's unclear if Apple will partner with a particular satellite provider or offer the service in all countries.
Globalstar previously said it had signed an agreement with an unidentified party to develop a new service -- a disclosure that some now believe is evidence that it’s Apple’s partner. Apple isn’t teaming up with Globalstar rival Iridium on the effort, people familiar with matter told Bloomberg.
