Slowly but steadily, Apple has been tucking satellite-powered features into its iPhones. Get ready for that to blossom into a whole set of new capabilities.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is working to expand what iPhones, as well as some Apple Watches, can do over satellite links. That includes Maps features that work when you’re off the grid, ways for third-party apps to access satellite connectivity, more messaging features such as transmitting images in addition to texts and potentially ways to use satellite connections without a direct line of sight to the sky.
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Over the last few years, Apple has introduced features such emergency SOS, roadside assistance and texting while offline that make use of satellite tech.
Apple’s satellite ambitions may be much larger and could eventually compete with more directly with services from major wireless carriers including AT&T and Verizon, according to Bloomberg. That could give Apple more control over security and design and make it less reliant on those telecom partners.