iPhone 14 Satellite Communication Capabilities Tested Before Mass Production [Kuo]

Apple's next generation iPhone 14 may feature satellite communication capabilities, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Sources tell the analyst that satellite communication was a test item for the iPhone 14 before it began mass production. It's believed that that feature could be used to contact emergency services when reception is poor or unavailable.

Satellite communication is one of iPhone 14's test items before mass production, and Apple had completed hardware tests for this feature. iPhone 14's satellite communication mainly provides emergency texting/voice services.


Whether or not satellite communication service is offered on the iPhone 14 depends on whether Apple has able to settle the business model, says Kuo. The iPhone 13 purportedly featured hardware with satellite support; however, Apple had yet to negotiate a business model for the feature.

Whether iPhone 14 will offer satellite communication service depends on whether Apple and operators can settle the business model. I learned that Apple had already completed the hardware development of satellite communication in the iPhone 13. The lack of support is because the business model had not been negotiated.

Globalstar is seen as the most likely partner for Apple. Earlier this year, the company announced that it would acquire 17 new satellites to provide continuous satellite services to a potential customer. That customer is widely rumored to be Apple.

Last year, Bloomberg also corroborated reports that Apple was working on Emergency Message via Satellite capabilities. Allegedly, the feature will be integrated into Messages alongside SMS and iMessage with bubbles that appear gray instead of green or blue. Codenamed Stewie, the feature will reportedly be restricted to shorter length texts and will bypass Emergency Contact's Do-Not-Disturb settings. In the future, emergency calls may be handled as well.


Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone 14 models at a big September 7 'Far Out' event. Notably, the event name and galaxy style invitation also hint at satellite service.

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