Satellite communication of the iPhone 13 could be available in some countries

Last week there was a surprise rumor about the iPhone 13: Apple's new phone will connect to satellite networks, they said, allowing users to dispense with cell networks to make calls and send text messages. Other rumors denied this function, but today it revives again.

According to Bloomberg Power on, satellite connection will only be available "in areas without mobile phone coverage", and even in some areas.

The original rumor said the iPhone 13 would be a satellite phone capable of operating without using 4G and 5G signals. But according to Bloomberg, functionality is going to be much more limited and only for emergencies, at least on the iPhone 13.

Blue, green, gray

Bloomberg states that satellite connectivity will allow short text messages to be sent when they need help, when there is no telephone signal or Wi-Fi available. These messages will appear in gray in the IOS messages application, contrasting with the blue of the texts sent through iMessage and the green standard SMS.

According to the article, Apple seems to have more ambitious plans for this kind of connection, perhaps with a satellite network of its own (we have already heard rumors about it). However, it seems that there is still a long way to go for that.

Complete satellite connectivity-with Internet access-requires much more voluminous hardware than the current iPhone design allows. For starters, antennas have to be much bigger.

Telephony operators will not see this step favourably, although it will take many years before the iPhone can make calls and navigate the Internet via satellite.

Analysis: a limited function that is worthwhile

If Bloomberg is right-and they are often right-it seems that the satellite connectivity of the iPhone 13 (or iPhone 14) is going to be much more limited than originally thought, something we already assumed because it was impossible. In addition, it will not be available in all countries where the iPhone is sold.

The article states that these limited satellite connections will only be possible externally and could take up to one minute to establish.

Still, it's a more than interesting function. Imagine you're trapped in the sea or on a mountain, you need urgent help and there's no 4G or 5G signal anywhere. If this rumor is true and you're in the right place, the iPhone could save your life.

For some adventurers, that will be a compelling reason to choose the iPhone 13 over any other phone on the market, including the next Google Pixel 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S22. That's assuming it's true.

If so, after years of limited progress, only with increasing improvements in camera performance and quality, it seems that we can be on the doorstep of a truly innovative yet limited new function for most.