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(Bloomberg) – Apple Inc.’s efforts to bring satellite capabilities to the iPhone will focus on emergency situations, allowing users to text first responders and report accidents in areas without cell coverage.
The company is developing at least two related emergency features that will rely on satellite networks, with the aim of delivering them to future iPhones, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Apple has been working on satellite technology for years, with a team exploring the concept since at least 2017, Bloomberg reported. Speculation that the next iPhone will have satellite capabilities boosted this week after TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the phone would likely work on spectrum owned by Globalstar Inc.
This has led to speculation that the iPhone will become something akin to a satellite phone, freeing users from having to depend on cellular networks. But Apple’s plan initially has a more limited scope, according to the person, with a focus on helping customers deal with stress scenarios.
And while the next iPhone may have the necessary hardware for satellite communications, features are unlikely to be ready until next year, said another person, who asked not to be identified as plans are not forthcoming. not yet public. Features may also change or be removed prior to release.
An Apple representative declined to comment.
The first component, called Satellite Emergency Message, will allow users to send text messages to emergency services and contacts through a satellite network when no cellular signal is available. This feature will be integrated into the Messages app as a third protocol – alongside standard SMS and iMessage – and will appear with gray message bubbles instead of green or blue. The second feature will be a tool for reporting major emergencies, such as plane crashes and sinking ships, also using satellite networks.
The SMS via satellite tool, named Stewie at Apple, will limit messages to a shorter length. Text messages will automatically be sent to an emergency contact phone, even if the Do Not Disturb setting is enabled. A planned design will allow a user to send the message by typing “Emergency SOS” where they would typically enter the name of a contact. In addition to providing SMS, the service may optionally be able to handle some phone calls as well.
Such an option will be useful in areas such as remote mountains or lakes, where 4G or 5G coverage may not be available. As part of its broader efforts, Apple has even considered possibly deploying its own satellites, but this feature is likely to build on existing networks.
The second emergency function is to allow users to report a crisis. The phone will ask what type of emergency is happening, for example if it is a car, boat, plane or fire.
The system is also able to take more specific information, such as a person falling overboard or a sinking ship. It will ask a user if search and rescue services are needed, if there is suspicious behavior or weapons involved, and if a person has sustained a traumatic injury.
When it reaches emergency services, the feature can send a user’s location and medical ID, a virtual card in the Health app with a list of medical history, age, medications, and information such as a user’s height and weight. It can also notify a user’s emergency contacts, usually a person’s family, friends, or doctors.
It is not known which emergency services or providers the system would draw from. The feature set would compete with the Garmin inReach device, which allows users to send short messages or an SOS over satellite networks.
Both functions are of course dependent on satellite availability and local regulations. They aren’t designed to work in all countries, and Apple has created a mechanism that will require users to be outside and walk in a certain direction to help iPhone connect to a satellite. Connecting to a network will not always be instantaneous, with testing of the functionality indicating that it can sometimes take up to a minute to work.
To connect to the satellites, Apple will need a special chip. As the company develops its own custom cellular modems for use in the years to come, it still plans to rely on a Qualcomm Inc. modem in the near term.
Speculation that the next iPhone will have satellite capability spiked Globalstar shares on Monday. The company previously said it signed an agreement with an unidentified party to develop a new service – a disclosure that some say is now proof that it is Apple’s partner.
Apple is not teaming up with Globalstar’s rival Iridium Communications Inc. in this effort, people familiar with the matter said. And Omnispace LLC, another satellite company, has yet to commit to building systems that could support such services, said industry analyst Tim Farrar.
Globalstar gained 64% to $ 2.35 before Monday’s close. Shares fell late in the session, falling as much as 24%, but cut losses after Bloomberg reported on Apple’s plans. Iridium fell to 7.4% under extended trading.
Apple plans to launch its latest iPhones as early as the middle of next month. Beyond possible satellite functionality, the company plans to include a narrower display cutout with an updated Face ID system and faster processor. The new model will also have significant camera hardware and software upgrades.
(Updates with stock reaction in the penultimate paragraph.)
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