Apple is said to be working on a major upgrade to its satellite capabilities for iPhone, potentially expanding what users can do without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is preparing to go beyond emergency calls and text-based messaging by adding several new satellite-powered functions in future updates.
In its next phase, Apple reportedly plans to allow users to send photos over satellite connections, providing richer communication options in areas without mobile coverage. The company is also said to be developing satellite support for Apple Maps, enabling navigation and route guidance in remote areas with no network access.
Gurman notes that another major upgrade in development is support for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), which would allow mobile networks to extend their coverage by connecting directly to satellites. This could help improve connectivity in rural or hard-to-reach areas where traditional cell towers are limited.
Apple is also said to be exploring improvements to make satellite usage more seamless. Future iPhones may no longer need to be pointed toward the sky to establish a connection, maintaining satellite links even indoors or when visibility is partially obstructed. Gurman added that the company is working on a developer API, allowing third-party apps to integrate satellite connectivity for their own use cases.
There’s no clear timeline for when these features will roll out. Currently, iPhone users in supported markets can send emergency messages, contact roadside assistance, and communicate via text using Apple’s Messages via Satellite feature. Gurman adds that basic features are expected to remain free, while more advanced options could involve carrier-based fees. However, ever since the introduction of these services, they have yet to become available in Malaysia.
(Source: Bloomberg)
