Kuo: iPhone 13 includes LEO satellite communications for making calls and texts without cellular coverage

According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 13 will feature low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication connectivity to allow users to make calls and send messages to areas without 4G or 5G coverage.

In a note to investors, seen by MacRumors, Kuo explained that the ‌ihone iPhone 13‌ line will have hardware capable of connecting to LEO satellites. If enabled with the relevant software features, this could allow iPhone 13‌ users to make calls and send messages without the need for a 4G or 5G mobile connection.

According to reports, the iPhone 13‌ incorporates a custom Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that supports satellite communications. Apparently, other smartphone brands are waiting until 2022 to adopt the X65 baseband chip needed to implement satellite communications features.

SpaceX’s Starlink is a LEO Internet connectivity provider that some readers may already know, but the LEO satellite communications service provider that “is most likely to cooperate with Apple in terms of technology and service coverage” is Globalstar . Qualcomm has allegedly been working with Globalstar to support the n53 band on future X65 baseband chips.

Kuo explained that the “simplest scenario” for providing LEO connectivity to users is if individual network operators work with Globalstar. This means that customers of a partner network operator could use Globalstar’s satellite communication service on the iPhone 13 directly through their network operator without the need for additional contracts or payments.

Kuo added that LEO satellite communications are a technology comparable to mmWave 5G in terms of its impact on the network industry and that Apple can take advantage of both technologies. Kuo says Apple is “optimistic” about the trend in satellite communications and that some time ago it created a specific team for research and development of technologies related to it.

The company is believed to plan to bring LEO satellite communications to more devices in the future to “provide innovative experiences.” These may include Apple’s mixed reality head-mounted display device, electric vehicle and other IoT accessories, according to Kuo.