Tech platform, Slickdeals has reported that the upcoming iPhone 13 might have a leg up on the competition, as the unannounced smartphone will allegedly feature low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. It noted that Apple has been experimenting with the technology for years, with the ultimate goal to give its products the ability to make calls and texts without the need for standard 4G and 5G towers.
Nothing has been officially confirmed by Apple, but the news came from Ming-Chi Kuo – a prominent Apple analyst – in a recent investor note. Specifically, Kuo thinks users will be able to leverage LEO satellite connectivity to perform certain messaging tasks while outside the range of industry-standard cell towers. This is all possible thanks to a proprietary Qualcomm X60 modem chip – one that will be exclusively available in the iPhone 13 lineup at launch.
Because the rumors are unconfirmed, lots of questions remain unanswered. Will only Apple-based applications such as iMessage and FaceTime be eligible for the service? Will LEO satellite usage be included in your monthly phone bill or will it incur a separate fee? And how reliable will it be compared to established 5G networks?
“At this point, we have more questions than answers, but LEO satellite technology is undoubtedly an interesting prospect for the iPhone 13. Expect to learn more in the coming weeks – Apple is expected to pull back the curtain on the long-awaited iPhone sometime in September,” the site posited.
While connecting to a satellite sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, there’s nothing truly unique about it. Satellite phones already exist in the market, and with the ever-growing reach of 5G, there’s little mainstream need for a persistent connection to outer space.
However, a sliver of iPhone users will probably love the feature, as it ensures they’re always online wherever they go. Specifically, owners in remote locations with poor reception, or those who take their phone on hikes, boats or anywhere “off the grid” will still be able to use a few features on their smartphone despite the lack of standard cell signals.
