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Apple’s efforts to bring the satellite capabilities of the iPhone 13 focus on emergencies, allowing users to text first responders and report malfunctions in areas without cell coverage.
The company is developing at least two emergency-related features that rely on satellite networks, with a view to deploying them in future iPhones.
Bloomberg reports that Apple has been working on satellite technology for years, with a team exploring the concept since at least 2017.
Speculation that the next iPhone will feature satellite capabilities increased this week after analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the phone would likely work with Globalstar-owned Spectrum.
This has led to speculation that the iPhone could become something akin to a satellite phone, freeing users from relying on cellular networks.
But the company’s plan was initially limited in scope, focusing on helping customers cope with stress scenarios.
While the next iPhone may contain the necessary hardware for satellite communications, features are unlikely to be ready until next year, and features may also be changed or revoked before their release.
The first component, called Satellite Emergency Message, allows users to send text messages to emergency services and contacts through the satellite network in the event that a cellular signal is not available, according to Arab Gateway for Technical News.
The functionality is built into the Messages app as a third protocol – along with standard SMS and iMessage – and appears with gray message bubbles instead of green or blue.
The second feature is a tool for reporting major emergencies, such as plane crashes and shipwrecks, as well as the use of satellite networks.
The satellite SMS tool, named Stewie internally, limits messages to a shorter length.
The texts are automatically transmitted to the emergency contact phone, even if the Do not disturb setting is activated.
One of the designs provided allows the user to send the message by typing “Emergency SOS” where he would normally enter the name of a contact.
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