WSJ: Apple wants to bring satellite maps to its iPhone and Watch users | Infinium-tech

Apple is working on expanding its satellite features for iPhone and Apple Watch users, but some of them are still a long way away. Latest reports from bloombergMark Gurman suggests that Cupertino has a long list of improvements to its satellite connectivity features, but they will be dependent on Globalstar’s network, which will have to undergo significant improvements in the coming years to meet Apple’s demands.

The biggest update is the Satellite Maps feature, which will allow iPhone and Apple Watch users to use Apple Maps and navigate in areas without cellular connectivity. Apple is also reportedly creating an application programming interface (API) for third-party apps, which will allow developers to integrate satellite connectivity within their apps.

Apple wants to make the satellite connectivity process more streamlined by eliminating the need to point devices at the sky to lock on to satellites. Future iPhones will be able to have satellite connectivity indoors and even inside users’ pockets. A major push for next year’s iPhone 18 series will be the addition of 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) support, which allows carriers to tap into satellites for extended network coverage.

Apple is also preparing to bring advanced messaging capabilities with the ability to send and receive photos over a satellite connection. Apple has stepped up its push on satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 series, and the new report suggests some Cupertino executives are on the fence about a broader push into satellite networking, which has traditionally been seen as an area controlled by carriers.

Source ,paywall,