Apple’s new iPhone 14 could feature satellite connectivity but it depends on whether it’s supported, according to a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The company has reportedly completed tests for the feature ahead of the product’s unveiling in September 7, but there’s no guarantee that the feature will actually be included in the smartphone due to carrier support.
According to Kuo, the hardware is now in place for satellite connectivity on the iPhone, but it depends on whether operators can settle on the right business model ahead of the release of the smartphone. It’s thought that the iPhone 13 already has satellite hardware baked in, but the connectivity wasn’t offered because Apple did not manage to negotiate an appropriate deal.
Kuo says we’ll definitely see satellite offerings from the iPhone ‘eventually’ but added that there’s no certainty of a September release. Apple wants to add satellite connectivity to iPhones so users can use text and voice services in an emergency without cellular service.
It’s believed Apple has been working with Globalstar, and the news comes at the same time as T-Mobile and SpaceX announce a partnership to offer consumers a satellite-to-cellular service.
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