iPhones satellite feature will reportedly allow maps and messages work without signal

Apple may soon expand its satellite connectivity feature for iPhones beyond basic emergency texting and calling. Prominent Apple analyst Mark Gurman, in a report to Bloomberg, has confirmed that the feature will soon cover Apple Maps, Messages, and “natural usage” when there is no mobile network or Wi-Fi connections. Users will be able to navigate their way through and share images in remote and disconnected environments.

Moreover, if the report holds true, the upgrade will make satellite connectivity on iPhones far more seamless. Users may no longer need to point their devices toward the sky to establish a link. Instead, iPhones could maintain satellite connections naturally, even when held in hand, kept in a pocket, placed inside a car, or stored in a bag, making the feature more practical and effortless to use in everyday situations.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly planning to open up its satellite connectivity feature to third-party developers. The company is said to be working on a framework, which can then be utilised by travel, health, and safety services to provide emergency services in a network region. So, if Google chooses, it could integrate satellite functionality into Google Maps on iPhones.

The upcoming Apple smartphones, potentially the iPhone 18 series, are also expected to support 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks) to combine mobile towers and satellites for wider and stronger coverage. First reported by The Information, the feature could make the handsets more reliable in remote regions.

Globalstar, the satellite operator behind Apple’s SOS, seems to be working on making these features a reality. As reported by Gurman, the basic features of the iPhone’s satellite connectivity will be free, while the more advanced features may require additional fees. The details of the fees and availability of the features remain under wraps.

This is the first real upgrade to the feature since it was announced in 2022 with the iPhone 14 series. Adding new capabilities to the iPhone’s satellite feature will enhance its usage. Moreover, it will also give Apple an edge over Samsung and Google smartphones, which rock similar specialised hardware to send emergency messages via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi signals are unavailable.

It’s worth noting that Apple’s satellite features are yet to roll out in India, and if that continues, the upcoming upgrades are unlikely to influence your buying decision at this stage. The features are unlikely to make the smartphones any different from what they already are in the country.