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Your iPhone may get access to new satellite connectivity features. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on five new features to join its existing range of satellite-powered tech.
The first rumored feature is Apple Maps integration allowing you to use navigation tools without the need for a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This may prove helpful in scenarios where you’re lost and you’re without traditional connectivity methods, further tying in with the company’s Emergency SOS features.
Another feature would allow you to send photos on Apple’s iMessage app through a satellite connection. Late last year, Apple introduced messaging over satellite-based tech, but it doesn’t currently allow for multimedia messages.
The report also says the brand plans to launch new 5G NTN tech on the iPhone 18 series in 2026. As noted by a previous report from The Information, the brand is planning to use the tech to help cellular towers improve coverage through connecting to satellites in specific scenarios.
Gurman’s report also says Apple is considering introducing new developer tools to allow third-party apps to add satellite functionality.
The fifth feature includes what Gurman refers to as “natural usage” improvements. This includes changes to make satellite connectivity easier to use, such as no longer needing to hold the phone toward the sky. The report specifically notes how users could use their device in a car or indoors, as well as in their pocket.
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The report also says Apple isn’t currently planning to introduce phone calls, video calls, or web browsing over satellite. All of these new features remain rumors for now, and we won’t know for certain whether these features are happening until Apple officially announces them.
A timeline is also unclear, so it may be a while until we hear from Apple. Gurman’s report notes how the brand may also charge for some of this functionality, unlike its existing satellite features.
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