Kuo: iPhone 13 to Feature LEO Satellite Communications to Make Calls and Texts Without Cellular Coverage

[MacRumors]

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

In a note to investors, seen by MacRumors, Kuo explained that the iPhone 13 lineup will feature hardware that is able to connect 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 cellular connection.

The iPhone 13 reportedly features a customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that supports satellite communications. Other smartphone brands are apparently currently waiting until 2022 to adopt the X65 baseband chip necessary to implement satellite communications functions.

SpaceX's Starlink is a purveyor of LEO internet connectivity that some readers may already be familiar with, but the LEO satellite communication service provider that is "most likely to cooperate with Apple in terms of technology and service coverage" is said to be Globalstar. Qualcomm has purportedly been working with Globalstar to support the n53 band in 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 with no additional contracts or payments required.

Kuo added that LEO satellite communications is a technology comparable to mmWave 5G in terms of its impact on the network industry and that Apple may leverage both technologies. Kuo says that Apple is "optimistic" about the trend of satellite communications and set up a specific team for research and development of technologies related to it "some time" ago.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported on the existence of this team in 2019, explaining that Apple was looking into new ways to beam data like internet connectivity directly to iPhones and other devices. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly made the project a company priority, with the main aim to beam data directly to a user's iPhone without reliance on wireless carriers and network coverage.

In 2017, Apple hired two Google executives with satellite expertise, who are believed to have been leading the team dedicated to satellites and related wireless technologies.

The company is believed to have plans 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.

Article Link: Kuo: iPhone 13 to Feature LEO Satellite Communications to Make Calls and Texts Without Cellular Coverage

 

[ph001bi]

Amazing if true.

 

[JMO1]

Does the user have to pay for this access or is that service provided (paid for) by Apple and Globalatar

 

[Kung gu]

Ok NOW thats amazing.

 

[GubbyMan]

Globalstar satellite phones have huge antennas sticking out like they are from the late nineties. Can they really just use the iPhone antennas to connect to these satellites? This rumor from Kuo is specific enough that I wouldn't doubt it though.

 

[The Game 161]

That would be incredible

 

[mozumder]

Big if true. But I believe it's going to be extremely difficult to transmit voice from phone to LEO satellite - not enough antenna power. So maybe low bitrate text.

 

[_Spinn_]

This would be impressive if true.

 

[HeavenDynamic]

This is the kind of feature that would be US-only for at least 10 years.

 

[CWallace]

Does the user have to pay for this access or is that service provided (paid for) by Apple and Globalatar

No way Apple and Globalstar would give free access outside of maybe 911 (or an S.O.S. / Emergency Locator Beacon if that functionality is possible).

I am sure to actually use the service normally one would need to be a Globalstar customer with a service plan.

 

[adamjackson]

Instant-buy for me if it has this. I still don't have cell service at my house or really anywhere that I ride my motorcycle around my area and into Maine. I'm paying for an InReach and would continue to do so but to have this work some times would be awesome.

 

[w5jck]

I call total BS on this guess/prediction. LEOs are in a very low orbit and will only be in range for earth communications at any given point for a few minutes each pass, so perhaps 3 to 5 minutes if you are lucky. It would require a swarm of LEOs and probably a much bigger antenna, as in much bigger than the iPhone itself. I'm an Extra Class licensed amateur radio operator (ham) who has monitored several LEOs as they pass by, including the International Space Station. This simply cannot be done with an iPhone and the current state of technology built into them. Even with the proper equipment, it requires a lot of knowledge and a well placed antenna. Total bleeping BS!!! There is a reason we use GEOs (geostationary satellites at 36,000 km altitude). You have to get that far away to keep the satellite over a specific location on earth. A LEO orbits the earth at less than 1,000 km, and makes another complete orbit about every 1.5 hours (90 minutes). No way this will work today....

 

[Hemingray]

Can’t wait to see the pricing on that feature!

 

[CWallace]

Globalstar uses a constellation of LEO satellites along with ground-based gateways (all using CDMA) so the iPhone would not need the power to send/receive to GEO. It might not even need to reach LEO if it can connect to a terrestrial gateway which would then do the connection to/from LEO.

As for pricing, for existing GS-compatible phones looks like it starts at USD17 a month.

 

[svish]

Game changing if true...

 

[Shirasaki]

Pricing aside, just like other guys point out, US only for a decade and lots of countries will miss out it permanently.

Plus, why all of a sudden this pops up? It’s so out of place.

 

[Shanghaichica]

This is really big if it’s true.

 

[tgwaste]

It should use it for free in emergency situations. THAT would be a good, customer focused, feature.
But thats not Apple.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Probably the game changing feature. People that are initially into hiking/camping or even fishing in the middle of the ocean is going to love this feature.

Wow! Really interested how it’s going to play when you have no service.

 

[Slash787]

Does the user have to pay for this access or is that service provided (paid for) by Apple and Globalatar

They even charge for an adapter and are supposedly increasing the prices of the new phones, you think they will you free access to satellite calls? lol

 

[justperry]

Hmmm, I have my doubts, is the antenna and power even capable to send signals that far.
Wish it will become true though.

 

[mannyvel]

There's no way that Apple would stick this niche tech into every iPhone.

This sounds like one of those bogus pieces of information that's designed to find the leaker.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Call me a skeptic. Yeah. There isn't, as others have said, enough antenna to pull that off. So not thinking this is possible. What chip would they have to use to pull that off, and what would the power cost be.

Although the Iridium pager was small, and though spotty, seemed to work for many, although do they still offer one? But a bad analogy as it was sipping bandwidth, not gulping it like a phone would.

I'd rather get that Garmin device, the inReach Mini. I like toys...

 

[justperry]

I call total BS on this guess/prediction. LEOs are in a very low orbit and will only be in range for earth communications at any given point for a few minutes each pass, so perhaps 3 to 5 minutes if you are lucky. It would require a swarm of LEOs and probably a much bigger antenna, as in much bigger than the iPhone itself. I'm an Extra Class licensed amateur radio operator (ham) who has monitored several LEOs as they pass by, including the International Space Station. This simply cannot be done with an iPhone and the current state of technology built into them. Even with the proper equipment, it requires a lot of knowledge and a well placed antenna. Total bleeping BS!!! There is a reason we use GEOs (geostationary satellites at 36,000 km altitude). You have to get that far away to keep the satellite over a specific location on earth. A LEO orbits the earth at less than 1,000 km, and makes another complete orbit about every 1.5 hours (90 minutes). No way this will work today....

Ever heard of a mesh network/roaming/hoping onto another device?
Pretty sure you do.....but, I also have serious doubt this will work, really serious doubts.

 

[SVTmaniac]

All you have to do is plug this 8ft antenna into the lightning port and you're set!