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Apple is working on satellite capabilities for the iPhone that will allow users to send texts in emergency situations, reports Bloomberg. The feature would also allow iPhone users to report crashes and other emergencies in areas where there is no cellular coverage.

iPhone-in-Space.jpg

There are at least two emergency features that will rely on satellite networks, and while satellite technology has been in the works for years, these capabilities are not likely to launch in 2021.

The first feature, Emergency Message via Satellite, is designed to let users text emergency services and contacts using a satellite network when there is no signal available, and it will be integrated into the Messages app as a third communications protocol alongside SMS and iMessage. It will feature gray message bubbles rather than green or blue, and message length will be restricted.
The texting-via-satellite tool, codenamed Stewie inside Apple, will restrict messages to a shorter length. The texts will automatically push through to an emergency contact's phone, even if the do-not-disturb setting is on. One planned design will let a user send the message by typing "Emergency SOS" where they would usually input a contact name. In addition to delivering texts, the service may eventually be able to handle some phone calls too.
The second feature will let users report major emergencies like plane crashes and fires using satellite networks. It will be similar to a "911" call in the U.S. and can provide information like a user's location and medical ID, in addition to alerting emergency contacts.

A report over the weekend from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the iPhone 13 would include low earth orbit satellite communication connectivity to allow users to make calls and send messages without 4G and 5G coverage, but further analysis has indicated that this suggestion is incorrect and unlikely.

According to Bloomberg, when Apple does implement satellite connectivity, it will be limited to "crisis scenarios" and will not be an alternative to cellular networks that allows for widespread texting and calling.

Apple will not launch these satellite capabilities in every country, and their availability will be dependent on local regulations and satellite locations. One built-in feature will ask users to go outdoors and walk in a specified direction to help the iPhone connect to a satellite. Connections may not be instantaneous, and it could take up to a minute for an iPhone to successfully communicate with a satellite.

Connecting to satellites will require a special modem chip, and Apple will continue to use Qualcomm technology for the next few years. It is not clear if Apple will partner with Globalstar, as Kuo has suggested. Globalstar competitors Iridium Communications and Omnispace are not working with Apple, according to Bloomberg, but the report does not rule out Globalstar.

The satellite features are "unlikely to be ready before next year," though Apple's modem chips this year could "have the hardware needed for satellite communications." The functionality could be changed or scrapped prior to when Apple is planning to launch it and it has not yet been finalized.

Apple has considered launching its own satellites, but the planned emergency features will rely on existing networks.

Article Link: Bloomberg: Apple Working on Emergency Satellite Features for iPhones, 2021 Launch Unlikely
 
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Gotta wonder why some people still doubt Kuo. Well over a decade of reliable predictions in the industry. Countless contacts in the supply chain. Nothing in the iPhone is made without the Chinese supply chain knowing it.

Kuo might not be familiar with the soft aspects of the deal, e.g. which satellite provider Apple is partnering with or marketing launch dates. But when it comes to hardware, he's almost 100% in the know.
 
so, looks like jumping on the bandwagon to me ... funny that apple stock as well as Globalstar went up quite a bit today based on these rumors ...
And they are saying, not coming this year ... and who is the one paying for these emergency services? Apple? your cell provider? Only going to happen if the government steps in ...
 
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Gotta wonder why some people still doubt Kuo. Well over a decade of reliable predictions in the industry. Countless contacts in the supply chain. Nothing in the iPhone is made without the Chinese supply chain knowing it.

Kuo might not be familiar with the soft aspects of the deal, e.g. which satellite provider Apple is partnering with or marketing launch dates. But when it comes to hardware, he's almost 100% in the know.

But it could be Kuo realizing he's been had, and fell for Apple chaff. Oops...

I had heard that Apple did that on occasion. It would seem that if the 'leak' was that 'out there', it's likely a tracker turd that Apple can track from who they gave it to, and who reported it. I mean, 'Apple secrets'. seem to be as secure as T-Mobile customer data. Rumors are usually dead on, no meaningful variation from what is reported. Only occasionally do some turn out 'way off', that I've heard.

This one, while *possible*, seems kinda 'out there'... Hard to tell, but if it's based strictly on the frequency band, it's on very weak ground...
 
So your telling me there a chance ?

The satellite features are "unlikely to be ready before next year,"

That sounds like almost a for sure, maybe this year thing to me. ;-)

It really depends on who their working with and for how long. If their years into this and say with SpaceX this year could be a possibility. Guessing it'd be very basic message only, but this would be a huge gamechanger - from a not really needed by many but wanted by almost everyone type of emergency feature.

Kuo is normally pretty accurate.
 
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But it could be Kuo realizing he's been had, and fell for Apple chaff. Oops...

I had heard that Apple did that on occasion. It would seem that if the 'leak' was that 'out there', it's likely a tracker turd that Apple can track from who they gave it to, and who reported it. I mean, 'Apple secrets'. seem to be as secure as T-Mobile customer data. Rumors are usually dead on, no meaningful variation from what is reported. Only occasionally do some turn out 'way off', that I've heard.

This one, while *possible*, seems kinda 'out there'... Hard to tell, but if it's based strictly on the frequency band, it's on very weak ground...
Kuo talks directly to the supply chain. You can't fake that because Apple doesn't pay millions of dollars to suppliers making antenna components and then suddenly do a head fake.

The ones who fall for canary trap are Twitters and YouTube personalities. They can't speak Chinese and have zero connections with the supply chain. Kuo handles real money for real investors and his office is in China.
 
Kuo talks directly to the supply chain. You can't fake that because Apple doesn't pay millions of dollars to suppliers making antenna components and then suddenly do a head fake.

The ones who fall for canary trap are Twitters and YouTube personalities. They can't speak Chinese and have zero connections with the supply chain. Kuo handles real money for real investors and his office is in China.

As if Apple wouldn't do that anyway. Okay, so I'm an Apple supplier/OEM, and I make many millions off my relationship with Apple, and Apple comes to me and says 'We have a problem with leaks, and we want you to 'leak' that we are going to support LEO frequencies in the next model of iPhone', and I would say no because why?
 
Kuo talks directly to the supply chain. You can't fake that because Apple doesn't pay millions of dollars to suppliers making antenna components and then suddenly do a head fake.

The ones who fall for canary trap are Twitters and YouTube personalities. They can't speak Chinese and have zero connections with the supply chain. Kuo handles real money for real investors and his office is in China.

You're right about those things. That is exactly why Kuo is so reliable. He's an analyst, not a "leaker".

So let me make sure I understand you: Are you saying that Kuo is actually correct, and that the denials of this capability are false/fake?
 
As if Apple wouldn't do that anyway. Okay, so I'm an Apple supplier/OEM, and I make many millions off my relationship with Apple, and Apple comes to me and says 'We have a problem with leaks, and we want you to 'leak' that we are going to support LEO frequencies in the next model of iPhone', and I would say no because why?
Because there is more than one single supplier of any component. Apple contracts a bunch of suppliers to have a resilient supply chain. If Kuo hears only one antenna supplier is feeding him info and it's different from the other 3, he knows Apple is doing a head fake.
 
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You're right about those things. That is exactly why Kuo is so reliable. He's an analyst, not a "leaker".

So let me make sure I understand you: Are you saying that Kuo is actually correct, and that the denials of this capability are false/fake?
Yes, Kuo is correct, Gurman is now backing him up. Whenever this tag team comes out with a prediction like this, it's almost always accurate. Kuo made a prediction on the hardware side and now Gurman describes the Emergency Message feature in iOS. But like UWB, reverse wireless charging, or AirPower, it might take some time before release.
 
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