iOS 18.5 Brings Support for Carrier Satellite Connectivity to iPhone 13

[Spock]

Due to a poorly written article, no one knows. When in an article about iPhone 13 having satellite connectivity they write "Apple has included built-in satellite connectivity in all iPhones dating back to the iPhone 14 lineup", it's a pretty natural question to ask how the 13 is able to do this, but the article doesn't address it at all. Too bad.

As for how it works, SpaceX will use its Starlink satellites to broadcast a new network using T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum. More specifically, it will use the 1900MHz spectrum that’s part of the carrier’s 4G, and now 5G, network. This requires new satellite technology, called Direct to Device capabilities. The first satellites with the the technology launched in early 2024, as noted by an official press release from T-Mobile. For now the new method is still undergoing testing.

Source

 

[iObama]

No doubt, the 13 lineup was peak iPhone🙌

First time I've EVER kept a phone for 3.5+ years, and plan to continue

 

[Rydawg96]

So the rumours of the 13 getting satellite connectivity were not false after all. I remember leading up to launch, there were rumours of the 13 getting satellite connectivity only for it to not happen until the 14, the only difference now is that the 13 will only have carrier satellite services while the 14 and newer will have both the carriers and Apple’s services.

 

[coplt]

So the rumours of the 13 getting satellite connectivity were not false after all. I remember leading up to launch, there were rumours of the 13 getting satellite connectivity only for it to not happen until the 14, the only difference now is that the 13 will only have carrier satellite services while the 14 and newer will have both the carriers and Apple’s services.

It’s not quite the same, though. AFAIK those rumors were about a satellite modem, and this is new technology beaming signal directly to the cell modem.

It’s why so many Android handsets are supported as well.

I’m not sure about the specifics, but the handsets require some kind of update (maybe just carrier settings?) to support reception of the LEO LTE signal.

 

[sdm1985]

So we will not see the Apple Satellite SOS animation via the carrier connectivity?

 

[coplt]

So we will not see the Apple Satellite SOS animation via the carrier connectivity?

This is my understanding based on people beta testing the service, but that’s could change.

From what I have heard, it shows up as bars of normal service.

 

[macdisciple]

Just want to add: like others, still rocking my 13! 85% battery.

77% on my 13 Mini.

 

[sdm1985]

77% on my 13 Mini.

79% here. Will a new battery actually make much of a difference? Can you have a battery replacement with higher capacity? Thanks.