Technology

30 Aug 2021

Apple Analyst says iPhone 13 will Support Satellite Communications

The Index Today

Renowned Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo says that the “iPhone 13” will have the ability to use satellite communications. The upcoming iPhone 13 series will feature low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication connectivity, which will allow users to make calls and send SMS even when the signal is not available.

Ming-Chi Kuo says that the Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that Apple is predicted to be used in the “iPhone 13” will support low-earth-orbit satellite communications. He bases this on Qualcomm’s work with Globalstar, making the latter the most likely partner for the effort.

Kuo says, “There are many potential scenarios for Apple’s business model cooperation with Globalstar.” Kuo added, “The simplest scenario is that if the user’s operator has already teamed with Globalstar, the user can directly use Globalstar’s satellite communication service on the iPhone 13 through the operator’s service.”

If the report is correct, it will be the first mainstream model to support satellite communications. Kuo says that the other vendors will have to wait until 2022 to also obtain the satellite communications functions, and they will require the X65 baseband chip.

Apple is expected to release the “iPhone13” this coming fall season. Beyond the satellite communications report, rumors also have claimed changes in the camera such as an increase in sensor resolution, bigger lenses, and the addition of autofocus.