iPhone 13 series to receive satellite connectivity from operators in new iOS 18.5

Apple has confirmed that with the release of iOS 18.5, which is expected next week, all iPhone 13 models will receive satellite support from mobile operators.

Here's What We Know

This applies to the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, smartphones that previously did not have Apple's built-in satellite feature via Globalstar.

This feature is different from Apple's built-in satellite technology available in iPhone 14 and later models - it is based on solutions from mobile operators that launch satellite services in collaboration with space companies.

In the United States, T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX to offer Starlink Direct, a service that connects to Starlink satellites when Wi-Fi and regular mobile communications are unavailable. KDDI (au) in Japan and One NZ in New Zealand have also introduced the satellite feature. Verizon has also announced a similar service, but it is not currently supported on the iPhone.

This update opens up new possibilities for iPhone 13 users, especially in rural areas or in emergency situations where there is no connection. To use the feature, you need to have a tariff with satellite support.

MEGOGO was the first Ukrainian OTT service to launch an app for Apple Vision Pro. MEGOGO became the first Ukrainian media service to adapt its content for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset.

Source: MacRumors