① Gurman revealed that Apple Several satellite features are under development, including 5G NTN technology support for next year's iPhone, a satellite communication API for third-party developers, and enhanced satellite messaging; ② With Apple 's satellite communication partner Globalstar... The possibility of being acquired by SpaceX means that the iPhone maker will have to decide whether to partner with Musk's "satellite empire".
All signs indicate that with Apple 's satellite internet... A strategic partner may be acquired by SpaceX, signaling a paradigm shift in satellite communications.
In his latest newsletter, well-known leaker Mark Gurman revealed Apple's satellite internet strategy, which has been in the works for nearly 10 years . He specifically mentioned that the iPhone to be released next year will support 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) technology, further expanding the user base of this technology.
Apple's Ten-Year Quest
According to Gurman, Apple began its satellite business about 10 years ago and poached two top satellite engineers from Google's parent company, Alphabet, to explore the possibilities in this field.
Similar to the early stages of projects like the Apple Watch and Vision Pro, Apple's initial goal was extremely ambitious—to enable iPhones to connect directly to satellites, completely bypassing telecom operators . However, as the product faced pressure to commercialize, the actual features released became quite restrained.
In 2022, Apple debuted the Emergency SOS feature on the iPhone 14, allowing users without cellular signal to contact emergency services via satellite. In 2023, Apple partnered with third parties to launch a satellite-based roadside assistance service. In a recent update, the iPhone's satellite messaging function is no longer limited to emergencies.
These services connect eligible iPhones (and now the Apple Watch Ultra 3) to Globalstar 's satellites. Globalstar is smaller and its satellites are aging, so Apple has invested over a billion dollars more to help upgrade its satellite network.
Gurman revealed that in addition to 5G NTN, Apple is developing several satellite features: including building APIs for third-party developers to access satellite communications ; enabling its own Maps app to connect to satellite , allowing iPhones to navigate without cellular networks; and an enhanced satellite messaging feature that supports sending images in addition to text messages.
Future iPhones will also support "natural usage" of satellite internet . The biggest limitation of Apple's current satellite system is the need for an "unobstructed sky" and for the device to be pointed towards the sky. The company's next goal is to keep the iPhone connected in the user's pocket, in their car, and even indoors .
Apple was prepared to fund a major upgrade to Globalstar 's infrastructure to roll out all these features. But now a crucial variable has emerged: Globalstar is seeking a sale, with satellite internet giant SpaceX being the most likely buyer.
Will Cook and Musk join forces?
Gurman revealed that from the very beginning of Apple's foray into satellite services, some executives questioned whether the company was truly a network operator. This claim has grown stronger as telecom giants have entered the satellite internet business.
This also means that if SpaceX acquires Globalstar, a partnership with Musk would be a natural choice for Cook. Compared to Globalstar, SpaceX, which recently launched its 10,000th Starlink satellite, could accelerate the deployment of Apple's satellite business.
Previously, sources revealed that, in preparation for a potential collaboration with Apple, SpaceX specifically added support for the wireless spectrum currently used by iPhones when designing its next-generation satellites . This would enable these satellites to directly provide satellite communications for existing Apple devices.
The biggest obstacle to this potentially major collaboration remains the relationship between the two companies. Musk has previously criticized Apple over the App Store's commission structure. In August of this year, Musk's artificial intelligence... xAI has filed another lawsuit against Apple for "manipulating App Store rankings" and for favoring Grok's competitor, ChatGPT.
Some rumors also suggest that before Apple launched its first satellite features in 2022, Musk proposed that SpaceX become the exclusive satellite supplier for iPhones for 18 months, during which Apple would pay an upfront payment of $5 billion, followed by annual payments of $1 billion after the exclusive period ended. Apple rejected this proposal.
However, times have changed, and SpaceX now owns nearly 60% of the world's satellites in orbit . With Musk's company recently acquiring EchoStar's spectrum to solidify its market position, it is becoming increasingly impossible for Apple to completely bypass SpaceX.
Gurman revealed that Apple's current strategy is to master a core set of functions—from emergency SOS to enhanced messaging—and offer them to users for free . For more advanced features, Apple plans to have users pay directly to carriers, SpaceX, or other satellite service providers. Apple currently has no intention of enabling calls, video chats, or web browsing via satellite, but SpaceX is actively moving in that direction.
(Article source: CLS)
