Update 4:30 p.m. atomic number 78 : Mark Gurman at Bloomberghas more detail on this supposed futurity capability , which is more circumscribed in scope than previously report .
With the iPhone 13 discharge set about cheeseparing and penny-pinching , speculation is heating up about the feature of the new phone . The latest comes from analyst Ming - Chi Kuo , who state in an investor ’s note that the iPhone 13 could havelow earth orbit planet connectivity , which would admit users to make phone calls when cellular coverage is unavailable .
According to Kuo ( who has a platter of reliable reports ) , the iPhone 13 will be equip with a custom Qualcomm X60 modem that works with blue ground satellite . Kuo also say that Qualcomm has been working with Globalstar to utilise the company ’s planet communications Robert William Service .
However , it ’s unclear as to how the substance abuser can get access to a satellite service . Kuo explicate one “ scenario ” in which the exploiter ’s web operator has a partnership with Globalstar , and connecting to the satellite would be done through the bearer . Also , in this scenario , the user does n’t have to sign up for another earphone plan .
If the satellite feature come to fruition , the iPhone 13 will be the first consumer - point sound with it . According to Kuo , other companionship will be using Qualcomm ’s X65 modem to follow up downhearted earthly concern sphere satellite connectivity .
While it ’s an interesting feature , however , it ’s unlikely to be one most consumers are going to utilise . And that if it ’s accurate . A Twitter thread bySascha Segan of PCMagexplains how Kuo might have his information wrongfulness due to the intricacies of Globalstar and its internet . He surmise that the new band in the modem could be ground - based LTE rather than planet .
afterwards , Mark Gurman of Bloomberg cites “ a person with knowledge of the situation ” ina describe that clarifies the post . Apple is apparently cultivate to enable limited planet communications for hand brake situations . user would not be able to make earpiece call option , or even send regular full text edition messages , but would rather get a new third class of “ grey house of cards ” text in Messages that are short in length . Another puppet could permit users to report major catastrophes like plane crashes or fall off ship .
While these could be done without a cubicle electronic web , it will be no permutation for cell service in any way . The message feature are severely confine in a room that makes them hardheaded only in parking brake , and it could take up to a minute to connect to a satellite . Both feature of speech are reliant on satellite reportage and local regulation . Gurman ’s composition articulate Apple is still working on the possible young feature and it wo n’t be quick until at least next year .
We ’ll know the Sojourner Truth about the iPhone 13 very shortly . hold back out ouriPhone 13 rumors pagefor more on what we could see in the new earpiece , which we expect to launch within the next two to three hebdomad .
