While there is no official announcement yet, Apple is reportedly going to launch iPhone 13 series phones till mid of next month.
The iPhone 13 series consists – iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Mini.
Now, while we are waiting for the next iPhone series, In a note to investors (spotted by Mac Rumors), popular analyst Ming-Chi-Kuo has said, the iPhone 13 series might provide Satellite Calling and Messaging services.
Kuo explained the iPhone 13 series models may feature customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chips that will communicate with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites.
LEO satellites allow us to make phone calls and send messages without the need for cellular connectivity.
Qualcomm is reportedly working with Globalstar (An American Satellite Communication Company) to provide satellite connectivity over the n53 band to its x65 baseband chip.
Now, while Qualcomm is working with Globalstar to provide satellite communication to mobile phones via its x65 chip, Apple’s iPhone 13 series models get the same via x60 chip.
Kuo said, the iPhone 13 series users will not have to pay any extra amount or fee to get the Satellite Communication Service, Instead the network operators have to consult the LEO satellite companies like Globalstar.
The analyst also said the phone might offer the satellite communication service simultaneously with millimeter-wave (mmWave) and 5G connectivity.
In addition to the iPhone 13 models, Apply may expand the Satellite communication service to its other devices like its mixed-reality headset, electric vehicle, and IoT devices.
In 2017, Apple hired two Satellite experts from Google who have so far reportedly been working to initiate satellite communication from the iPhone. Apple CEO, Tim Cook has recently prioritized the satellite communication project.
Other smartphone manufacturers are aiming to adopt the x65 chip and might introduce satellite communication in their devices next year.