Apple is reportedly working on five new satellite-powered features for future iPhones to enhance connectivity in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi service, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The upgrades aim to expand beyond the current Emergency SOS feature and improve user experience in remote or offline environments.
One key addition is Apple Maps via satellite, allowing users to navigate without internet access—ideal for travelers and hikers. Another major update will enable photo sharing over satellite through the Messages app, extending communication capabilities beyond text-only messages.
Apple is also developing “natural usage” improvements, allowing iPhones to maintain satellite connections indoors, in vehicles, or even inside pockets—eliminating the need to point devices at the sky for signal. Support for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is also planned, which would allow satellite-linked cellular towers to expand coverage in remote areas.
Finally, Apple is creating a satellite API framework, enabling third-party developers to integrate satellite connectivity into their apps for new use cases.
While these features will be free initially, Apple may later introduce premium satellite plans through partners like SpaceX and Globalstar. Voice and video calls via satellite are not yet planned, but these advancements mark a major leap in global iPhone connectivity.
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
