Apple’s satellite partner, GlobalStar, was acquired by Amazon this week. But now Apple and Amazon are working together, and rumors indicate there are four new satellite features coming to iPhone soon.
#1: 5G over satellite
Current satellite connectivity in the iPhone works very slowly. But that’s set to change soon, at least with the iPhone 18 lineup.
Reporting indicates Apple’s C2 modem coming in the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra this fall will add support for 5G over satellite.
The ability to offer faster connection speeds over satellite should make satellite features much more convenient than they currently are. On the note of convenience, Apple is also working to make achieving a satellite connection less cumbersome than it is now.
#2: Apple Maps support
Apple Maps lets you download maps for offline use, but otherwise it only works when connected via Wi-Fi or cellular.
But according to Bloomberg, Apple is working to make Maps available over satellite too.
It’s unclear if this will require the new 5G capabilities of the C2 modem in iPhone 18 Pro, but that’s certainly possible.
#3: Photos in Messages app
Bloomberg also notes that Apple is planning to bring support for sending photos in the Messages app over satellite.
Currently, you can only send text messages via a satellite connection—and the feature has been a lifesaver.
The ability to send photos will not only prove convenient for everyday use, but also emergency situations where someone needs to send pictures of an injury or their location.
#4: Third-party API for apps
Finally, Apple is also reportedly working on an API that will let third-party developers tap into satellite connections for features in their apps. Mark Gurman writes:
Apple is building an API that will let developers add satellite connections to their own apps. Implementation will be up to the app makers, and not every feature or service will be compatible.
It’s possible Apple will limit this to emergency-related features at first, with a broader rollout over time as satellite availability becomes more widespread.
Have you used the iPhone’s satellite features before? How did it work for you? Let us know in the comments.
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