The next version of Apple’s mobile phones to be launched this year, possibly iPhone 13, will allow calls and messages to be sent when users do not have terrestrial coverage through the use of a satellite communications system.
This has been reported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as reported by 9to5Mac, which expects the new iPhone 13 to use a low-earth orbiting satellite (LEO) mode of communication.
In this way, terminal users will be able to make calls and send satellite messages from places where they do not have terrestrial coverage, such as 5G or 4G.
This support will be added through the use of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 modem version, announced in February 2020, although it will be customized by Apple to enable satellite communications.
Ming-Chi Kuo hopes the satellite communication system will also be used in other Apple products, such as Internet of Things accessories, a future augmented reality viewer, or a future Apple Car.