Apple is gearing up for a massive expansion that could one day fulfill its decade-old dream of keeping you connected, no matter where you are. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, Apple is actively developing a suite of new satellite-powered features that go far beyond its current offerings.
It’s a vision that’s been long in the making. About a decade ago, Apple hired top satellite engineers from Google with a radical idea: bypass carriers and connect iPhones directly to space. While that initial dream proved too complex, the company settled on a more modest, but still groundbreaking, first step: Emergency SOS via Satellite, which launched with the iPhone 14 in 2022.
Since that 2022 debut, Apple has been quietly but steadily building on the platform. First, it added Roadside Assistance via AAA for stranded drivers. More recently, it enabled non-emergency texting for users completely off the grid. This technology, now available on compatible iPhones and the new Apple Watch Ultra 3, is managed by an in-house team and runs on partner Globalstar’s satellite network.
But the industry is heating up. With competitors like Elon Musk’s SpaceX partnering with T-Mobile, and Verizon and AT&T developing their own satellite plans, Apple is feeling the pressure to innovate. This is complicated by the fact that its partner, Globalstar, is a small player with an aging network that is reportedly exploring a sale—with SpaceX seen as a potential buyer.
According to Gurman, Apple is pushing forward with several powerful new features. This future work reportedly includes:
- A Framework for Apps: Apple is building an API that would let third-party developers integrate satellite connectivity directly into their apps.
- Satellite-Powered Maps: The company is working to bring satellite connections to Apple Maps, allowing you to download and use maps for navigation even without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Richer Messaging: The current text-only system is set for an upgrade. Apple is working on enhanced messaging that could support sending photos.
- “Natural Usage”: A major goal is to eliminate the need to point your iPhone at the sky. Apple wants to achieve “natural usage,” where your device stays connected while in your pocket, car, or even indoors.
- Satellite over 5G: Next year’s iPhones are expected to support 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), which would allow cellular towers to communicate with satellites to further expand coverage.
To launch most of these new features, Globalstar’s network needs major upgrades—improvements Apple has already helped finance. If SpaceX does acquire Globalstar, it could not only accelerate these plans, but it would also force Apple to rethink its business model.
What satellite feature are you most excited to see come to the iPhone? Let us know in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
