Yesterday we let you know that the iPhone 13 would have support for satellite communication to make calls and send messages when there is no coverage. The information, provided by renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, was endorsed by Bloomberg (via 9to5Mac), albeit up to a point. The aforementioned medium explains that although the terminal will integrate the necessary hardware to offer this novelty, it will be limited to sending emergency messages through the Messages application.
Bloomberg makes clear that Apple's efforts in satellite communication are intended to support users in sensitive situations where there is no coverage. The iPhone 13, then, would be able to connect directly to low-orbit satellites. They don't specify the components, but Kuo said it would be possible thanks to Qualcomm's X60 chip .
The source adds that, at least initially, the satellite communication functions of the iPhone 13 will be included only in Messages. In fact, emergency messages could appear as text balloons in gray , thus adding to the already existing blue (iMessage) and green (SMS). There is also talk of a second function intended for bigger mishaps , such as a plane crash or the sinking of a ship. Of course, no further details were offered in this regard.
Likewise, the user must be abroad to facilitate the connection with the satellite, which could take approximately one minute.
The emergency messages of the iPhone 13 would arrive until 2022
Image: Max Weinbach / 9to5mac There are a couple of other points to consider. The first is that features that take advantage of satellite communication will not be available during the launch of the iPhone 13 . That is, they will be deactivated through software and will be enabled, always according to Bloomberg, until 2022 . Second, its availability will be subject to the regulations of each country , so that some regions may not be able to use the described functions.
If nothing unforeseen comes along the way, Apple will introduce the iPhone 13 throughout September . The specific date, however, is still pending. Surely in a matter of days we will get rid of doubts.
