At first, Apple will limit the use of satellite communications to emergency use only
Initially, Apple plans on limiting the use of satellite communications on the iPhone to emergencies only
This source says that while the iPhone 13 could have the hardware installed to connect with a satellite, the new emergency features will not be ready before next year’s iPhone 14 line is released. Additionally, Apple could decide to change or scrap the whole satellite plan. Apple could decide to install the necessary tech on the iPhone 13 with the goal of adding the required software on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 next year
One satellite-based feature is said to be called “Emergency Message via Satellite.” This feature would allow iPhone users to text emergency services and contacts using a satellite when no cell signal is available. It would be integrated into the Messages app as a third option alongside SMS and iMessage and would be identified with the use of a gray message bubble compared with green for SMS and blue for iMessage.
The second feature would allow users to report major incidents such as plane crashes or sinking ships via satellite when cellular service is not available. The phone will ask what type of emergency is being reported and whether the crisis involved a car, boat, plane, or fire. The system also will seek more specific information such as whether someone has fallen overboard, if a ship is sinking, and if search and rescue personnel are required.
Apple considered deploying its own satellites but for now, that seems unlikely
The texting by satellite is known internally inside Apple as “Stewie,” and will have a restriction limiting the number of characters allowed in a message; this restriction will force those using the system to send texts using a lower number of characters than the amount allowed normally.
The emergency satellite texts will ignore do-not-disturb settings that are toggled on. By typing “Emergency SOS” where the contact’s name is usually placed, users will be able to send an emergency message, and eventually some phone calls might be allowed to go through using the satellite platform. Bloomberg says that using satellite communications might be necessary for areas with “mountains and remote lakes” where 4G or 5G signals cannot make it through.
Apple might even deploy its own satellites for this plan and it has considered this very thing. However, at this time it appears that Apple will stick with networks that are already up and running.
