A new report from Bloomberg reveals that Apple has ambitious plans to expand satellite-based features on the iPhone. The company’s main objective is to enable iPhone users to maintain essential connectivity even in areas with weak or no Wi-Fi and cellular signals. This news follows recent rumors suggesting that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could support broader 5G satellite connectivity, potentially through a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Currently, satellite functionality on the iPhone is primarily confined to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, introduced with the iPhone 14 lineup. This feature enables users to contact emergency services when their phone has no cellular reception.
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple extended satellite capabilities to include messaging, but with notable limitations. Non-iPhone users, for instance, cannot send texts to iPhone users connected via satellite unless they are designated emergency contacts or family members. Additionally, satellite messaging does not support multimedia such as photos or videos, nor does it allow group texting. In essence, while the existing satellite-based features offer critical help in emergencies, their overall functionality remains limited. However, Apple appears committed to significantly enhancing the utility of satellite connectivity going forward.
Expanding Apple’s Satellite Vision
According to Bloomberg, Apple aims to normalize satellite connectivity beyond emergencies, making it a practical feature for everyday use. For example, the company is exploring the integration of satellite-based navigation through Apple Maps for use when users are off the grid. Future iPhone models might also enable sending photos via Messages when offline. Moreover, Apple is considering an iOS API that would allow third-party apps like WhatsApp or popular navigation apps such as AllTrails and Waze to leverage satellite connections. If implemented, users might pay app developers for satellite access, with Apple receiving a share of those revenues.
An especially intriguing detail from the report is Apple’s goal to provide satellite connectivity even when the iPhone lacks direct line of sight to a satellite. This means users could stay connected with their devices inside pockets, cars, or buildings without needing to physically point the phone at the sky—a major enhancement over the current Emergency SOS feature that requires unobstructed sky access, a concept known in the industry as “natural usage.”
Satellite Messaging Saving Lives
Apple’s Emergency SOS feature has already proven life-saving in numerous situations. In 2023, it played a critical role in rescuing a family trapped in wildfires in Maui by connecting them to first responders. Similarly, iOS 18’s satellite messaging has been instrumental during natural disasters, such as the recent floods in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene. During these crises, smartphones with satellite messaging enabled users to send and receive vital safety updates even as power and internet went down.
One affected user shared on X: “When the power and internet went out at our family’s house up there, we were able to get location pings from satellite. At least it gave us some peace of mind.” Today, Apple’s satellite features focus on providing a critical lifeline in emergencies, but with the upcoming changes, they may soon evolve into convenient everyday tools that keep people connected no matter where they are.
