Rumor: iPhone 13 will be equipped with LEO satellite communication for calls and SMS without cellular coverage

In a note to investors, Kuo explained that the iPhone 13 lineup will feature hardware capable of connecting to LEO (low earth orbit - low earth orbit) satellites. With the appropriate software features, this could allow iPhone 13 users to make calls and send messages without needing to connect to a 4G or 5G cellular network.

How will

The iPhone 13 is reportedly equipped with an adapted Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that supports satellite communications. Other brands are apparently waiting until 2022 to introduce the X65 baseband chip needed to implement satellite communications features. spaceX's

Starlink is the Internet communications provider LEO, which readers of gg are probably already familiar with, but the low-Earth orbit satellite service provider that is "most likely to partner with Apple in terms of technology and service coverage" is rumored to be Globalstar. Qualcomm is allegedly working with Globalstar to support the n53 band in future X65 baseband chips.

What Prospects 

Kuo explained that the "simplest scenario" of providing LEO connectivity to users is for individual operators to partner with Globalstar. This means that customers of a partner operator would be able to use the satellite service Globalstar on iPhone 13 directly through their carrier without additional contracts or fees.

Analyst added that LEO satellite communications is a technology comparable to mmWave 5G in its impact on the networking industry, and that Apple can leverage both technologies. Kuo says Apple is "optimistic" about the trend in satellite communications and established a dedicated team "some time ago" to research and develop technology related to it.

Source: macrumors