A Silicon Valley-based satellite communications expert claims that along with the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple is also launching a satellite service. This will make it possible to send and receive iMessage messages with the new iPhone generation. However, it should not be possible to make a call or send a photo. The partner here is the satellite operator Globalstar.

Tim Farrar is a satellite communications consultant and his firm, TMF Associates, advises companies planning satellite communications projects out of Menlo Park, California. As an expert he takes in a series of tweets Comment on the recent announcement by T-Mobile USA and SpaceX, who have announced in the United States that they will be offering a new service that will enable smartphones to connect to low-Earth satellites via 5G frequencies. It aims to close the coverage gap in mobile phone coverage in the United States.

17 satellites reportedly in use

With the announcement, both companies wanted to take the guesswork out of Apple, Farrar now claims. The Apple event will take place at the Steve Jobs Theater on September 7. In February, satellite operator Globalstar announced that it had acquired 17 new satellites for a potential customer – that customer could be Apple. Apple initially plans to offer the service for free. Unlike SpaceX, however, normal satellite frequencies are used, so that no approval from the regulatory authority is required. However, it is necessary when using 5G frequencies. However, the advantage here would be that the devices do not require a special modem chip.

Rumors that Apple wants to add satellite communications to the iPhone have been going on for three years. Previously, however, there was talk that it was primarily about emergency communications, for example when iPhone users are traveling in an area without cell phone coverage.

Even in Europe?

From a European perspective, the question also arises whether Apple will offer the satellite feature worldwide or initially only in the United States. Farrar has not yet made any predictions on this.

(MKI)