2025-11-10 11:13:03
Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its iPhone satellite capabilities beyond emergency services, paving the way for photo messaging, satellite-powered Maps, and third-party app integration.
According to Bloomberg, Apple’s Satellite Connectivity Group (SCG) is developing an API that will let app developers build satellite functions directly into their software.
This could allow future iPhones to support real-time data exchange – such as location sharing, messaging, or even mapping – in remote areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Apple is also said to be working to make satellite use more natural and seamless.
A key upgrade, reportedly known internally as “natural usage”, aims to let users stay connected without pointing their phones at the sky, enabling satellite access even when the iPhone is in a pocket, car, or indoors.
The company’s supposed upcoming roadmap also includes satellite-powered Apple Maps, giving users the ability to navigate offline in areas without any network coverage, and enhanced satellite messaging that supports sending photos alongside texts.
While Apple currently uses Globalstar’s satellite network for services like Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance, future upgrades may depend on Globalstar’s infrastructure refresh – or potentially a new partnership, should SpaceX acquire the satellite firm as rumored.
Apple’s approach remains cautious yet strategic, as it provides basic satellite services for free to bolster iPhone sales while allowing carriers or satellite providers to charge for premium features later.
Though Apple once explored replacing cellular networks entirely with its own satellites when it introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite with 2022’s iPhone 14 range, the company now reportedly sees satellite connectivity as an expanding feature layer – one that reinforces the iPhone’s independence from terrestrial networks.
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