iPhone 13 will feature satellite communication connectivity

The new Apple iPhone 13 hardware will allow it to make calls and send texts messages in areas that are lacking cellular coverage.

As per the note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, iPhone 13 will feature satellite communication connectivity that will help the users to make calls and send texts messages in areas that are lacking cellular coverage.

Ming-Chi stated to the investors in a note that the upcoming handset will be included with the hardware that allows it to tap low Earth orbit satellites, that will allow it to stay connected in the places that lack 4G or 5G coverage. The device is likely to use a Qualcomm X60 baseband chip, which reportedly supports satellite communications.

A feature like this would make the iPhone 13 more attractive to users who live in the areas where cellular services don’t work properly, plus travellers who venture into the areas that lack cellular coverage but still want the peace of mind of continuously available communications usually reserved for satellite phones.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has bagged much attention by introducing Starlink satellites that is likely to deliver its nascent broadband service to reach just about anywhere in the world. But then again SpaceX isn’t the only company expecting to operate a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.

Ming-Chi singles out LEO satellite communication service provider Globalstar as the company “most likely to cooperate with Apple in terms of technology and service coverage.” The company has operated loads of satellites for voice services at that altitude for several years.

iPhone 13 is likely to debut in September, with rumoured features like an upgraded design with a smaller notch, thicker camera bump and a collection of nifty new colour options like bubblegum pink, matte black and bronzy sunset gold.