iPhone 18 may support 5G NTN as rumors point to new satellite features for iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple iPhones might get new satellite features in the future (Image source: Abhinav Choudhary)

The Apple iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra 3 can already make emergency calls and send messages via satellite. In the future, Apple plans to offer many more features that don’t require a cellular or WiFi connection. For instance, Apple Maps might become usable via satellite.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 11/10/2025 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 ...

All iPhones since the iPhone 14 as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (from $699 on Amazon) allow users to make emergency calls via satellite. Sharing the current location with friends and sending and receiving text messages is also supported. According to latest information from Bloomberg, the tech behemoth from Cupertino is currently working on expanding the satellite capabilities of the iPhone and Apple Watch.

In the future, users might be able to use Apple Maps even without a cellular network connection, even if offline maps haven’t been downloaded in advance. Satellite messages could gain support for sending and receiving pictures. Moreover, the Apple iPhone 18 series will reportedly support 5G NTN for the first time, which could result in much better network coverage. Apple further plans to let developers access the iPhone’s satellite features via an API, so its feature set can be expanded with third-party apps.

Right now, the iPhone can only send text messages, the current location and make emergency calls via satellite (Image source: Apple)

According to Bloomberg, Apple is also working on improving the user experience. Instead of pointing the iPhone in the direction of a satellite, future models may stay connected to the satellite network even when the device is in a pocket or car. However, Apple reportedly has no plans to offer video calls, phone calls or a web browser over satellite connections.

This is likely due to the limited bandwidth of Globalstar, which is Apple’s satellite partner. Bloomberg claims that discussions are currently underway about a possible sale of Globalstar to the parent company of SpaceX. If that deal goes through, Apple might be able to implement such features, potentially as part of a paid subscription.

Source(s)

Bloomberg | Abhinav Choudhary (teaser image)

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19491 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5918 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

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