Apple's introduction of satellite communication features in the iPhone (such as "Send an Emergency SOS via Satellite") has proven extremely useful in emergency situations. However, while this feature is highly practical when cellular signal is unavailable, its service range and capabilities still have room for further expansion and optimization.
According to a Bloomberg Power On newsletter published Sunday, reporter Mark Gurman revealed several new satellite communication-centric features that Apple is developing, including plans to expand the openness of its satellite connectivity, allowing it to be used by third-party applications.
Apple will reportedly develop a dedicated API for application developers to integrate. However, it's important to note that not all Apple-developed satellite features will be made available to third parties through the API. The existing "Messages via Satellite" feature is also expected to be upgraded. Reports indicate that Apple is attempting to add image transmission support to this feature, moving beyond its current limitation of only supporting plain text messages.
Furthermore, Apple is also planning to introduce satellite connectivity to Apple Maps, allowing users to navigate without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. The connection establishment process will also be optimized. Currently, users need to be in an open, unobstructed outdoor environment and manually point their iPhone roughly in the direction of a visible satellite to establish a connection. Apple's goal is to achieve a more "natural user experience," such as allowing the iPhone to automatically connect to satellites even when placed in a pocket or car, without requiring users to consciously adjust the device's orientation or hand position.
To accelerate this plan, the iPhone series expected to be released in 2026 will more fully support 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) technology, enabling terrestrial cellular base stations to relay signals via satellite, thereby significantly improving device coverage and network resilience.
Bringing most of these new features to market requires a major upgrade to Globalstar's satellite infrastructure, and Apple has funded these improvements. If SpaceX ultimately acquires Globalstar, the rollout of these enhancements could be even faster. However, such a deal would also force Apple to rethink its business model and long-term strategy for its satellite service.
Apple's strategy is to have a core set of features and offer them for free—from emergency distress signals to upcoming enhancements—to drive iPhone sales, encourage upgrades, and retain users within its ecosystem. For more advanced features, Apple plans to have customers pay directly to carriers, SpaceX, or other satellite providers.
