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Apple will reportedly launch the iPhone 13 with quite an unexpected feature in the coming weeks. The upcoming devices may have some of the most important functions of a satellite phone, making it possible to place calls or send messages even when the user is outside the network coverage area.
The report comes from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says in a recent note to investors (via AppleInsider) that the iPhone 13 will use the Snapdragon X60 baseband chip. Kuo predicts that the 5nm 5G modem will allow the next Apple smartphones to use low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity considering Qualcomm’s partnership with Globalstar.
Kuo also believes that if network service providers are partners with Globalstar, then iPhone 13 users may be able to use Globalstar’s service for satellite communications. This is going to be quite a breakthrough for Apple if the analyst’s prediction pans out. The iPhone 13 could become the first widely available consumer phone to have both cellular connectivity and support satellite communications.
Despite the advancement in mobile technologies, it is still not impossible to find places that are not covered by 4G or 5G networks. In these cases, SAT phones would come in handy as they allow people to send messages, especially when they are in danger, even without a cell signal. However, some countries have strict regulations in the procurement or use of SAT phones. They also tend to be quite pricey, costing from a little over $300 to more than $1,000.
Meanwhile, Kuo does not expect the iPhone 13 to be the only smartphone to support satellite connections in the near future. Kuo says other smartphone makers may be waiting for the Snapdragon X65 baseband chip to implement this change. It can be recalled that Globalstar officially announced its partnership with Qualcomm last February, noting that the X65 modem will be using Globalstar’s Band N53.
There are still some unclear details about the iPhone 13’s support for satellite communications, such as if it will work with any apps or just on native apps. It is also unclear if using this feature will be free or will incur extra charges.
Apple fans will have to wait for the official iPhone 13 announcement that is widely expected to happen in the coming weeks. Recent leaks suggest that the launch event might take place on Sept. 14.
