Future iPhones to feature LEO satellite communication?
- This past Sunday, in an investor note, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the iPhone 13 would come with LEO satellite communication.
- However, this rumor was contradicted by Bloomberg, which states that the feature is unlikely to make its debut till 2022.
- Many experts also note that LEO satellite communication won't happen with the iPhone 13 lineup.
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (80.95% reliability) stated that Apple will be including low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication connectivity for the upcoming iPhone 13. However, Bloomberg clarified that the iPhone 13 lineup will include hardware that would be capable of communicating with the satellites. It says that Apple is focused on helping people in emergencies. Still, initially, the feature wouldn’t be enabled by the software to use it directly.
Low Earth Orbit satellite communication support will allow users to communicate in emergencies such as the unavailability of cellular coverage. More specifically, at least two emergency features are planned to be introduced with this satellite communication.
The first feature is Emergency Message via Satellite. Apple is apparently going to integrate this feature into the Messages app. This would allow users to contact emergency services and contacts when there's no signal available. It is said to be integrated as a third communication protocol alongside iMessage and SMS. Such messages will appear in gray bubbles rather than green or blue with restricted text length.
The texting-via-satellite tool, codenamed Stewie inside Apple, will restrict messages to a shorter length. The texts will automatically push through to an emergency contact's phone, even if the do-not-disturb setting is on. One planned design will let users send the message by typing "Emergency SOS," where they usually input a contact name. In addition to delivering texts, the service may eventually be able to handle some phone calls too.
The second feature lets users report major emergencies such as plane crashes or fires using satellite networks. It will also provide the user's medical ID and location besides alerting the emergency contacts.
However, here's the real debate. According to Kuo, the iPhone 13 would include low earth orbit satellite communication connectivity to let users make phone calls and send text messages when there's no 4G and 5G coverage. As per his note, Apple would use a customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that supports satellite communications. He also claims that Apple would work with Qualcomm partner Globalstar because Qualcomm is implementing support for Globalstar's n53 band in a future modem. But, further analysis from various analysts and mobile device experts has contradicted Kuo's report calling it inaccurate.
Globalstar's n53 band is a terrestrial spectrum. In February, the company announced that Qualcomm's next-generation X65 modem would feature global 5G n53 support to expand its "terrestrial spectrum commercialization." Globalstar does not market or offer Band 53 or n53 spectrum for satellite communications.
It's also to be noted that Qualcomm is partnering with Globalstar for Band 53 in the X65 modem, whereas Apple is using the X60 modem this year. However, it seems that there may be a special variant designed for Apple that would support n53. Yet, it doesn't mean that the iPhone 13 models will get satellite communication functionality. Instead, the chip will take advantage of satellite bands that were previously assigned to satellite service. This may allow for enhanced 5G connectivity in the new iPhones because of additional bands.
Since Kuo's note, many people have pointed out this misunderstanding between Kuo's claim and the actual function of the n53 band. For example, PCMag's Sascha Segan says that while the X60 may support Globalstar's Band 53, that in no way means that it's going to communicate with satellites.
But ... you take b53/n53 connectivity, it becomes "iPhone has Globalstar" which becomes "iPhone has satellites" and here we are. New ground-based LTE/LAA band. Not satellites. @TechmemeChatter
— Sascha Segan (@saschasegan) August 30, 2021
Furthermore, cybersecurity expert Robert Graham also said that iPhone 13 models could use the 2.4835 GHz to 2.4950 GHz band, which is the "upper half" of Wi-Fi's channel 14. Most countries don't use that band for Wi-Fi; it's typically assigned to GlobalStar for downlink satellite communications. Since it's a downlink channel, it wouldn't support smartphone-to-satellite communication. Moreover, the spectrum is only approved for terrestrial use, making satellite communication news less likely to happen.
2/ That band is 2.4835-GHz to 2.4950-GHz.
— Robᵉʳᵗ Graham #PcapsOrItDidntHappen (@ErrataRob) August 30, 2021
If that looks too you suspiciously like 2.4-GHz WiFi range, then you'd be right: it's the upper half of Channel 14 in WiFi.
Most countries (except Japan) don't use Channel 14 for WiFi, though. U.S. WiFi goes to 11. pic.twitter.com/CA4JLTZTSz
Similarly, finance expert Anpanman also notes that LEO satellite communication won't be happening with iPhone 13 series.
8/ ... 3) Wireless carriers own the subscriber today and WON'T be letting someone else eat off their plate. You can get designed into new chipset... doesn't mean anyone will light up your spectrum. Also, $GSAT has been very clear on terrestrial use: https://t.co/FGFpH7zxWA
— Anp🅰️nman (@spacanpanman) August 30, 2021
It's well worth giving a good read to full Twitter threads from these analysts, as they contain many more additional technical information for anyone interested in the iPhone LEO satellite communication rumors.
Back in 2019, Bloomberg reported that Apple has a dozen aerospace, satellite, and antenna design engineers working on ways to use satellites for communication purposes. At the time the project was said to be hoping to produce results within five years. Hence, the satellite features are very less likely to be ready before next year or maybe until 2024 as the timeline goes. Therefore, although the iPhone 13 lineup could house the modem chips containing the hardware needed for satellite communications, it's still very controversial whether the feature will be brought to life.
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