Apple iPhone 14 satellite connectivity hardware tests reach completion

The analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has published a report about the satellite communication support that may be included with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which should be launched at a special Apple event on September 7. There have been quite a few rumors floating around lately suggesting that limited satellite connectivity would be made available to the iPhone 14 and Kuo’s recent comments have added more substance to the idea.

The report specifically states that “satellite communication is one of iPhone 14’s test items before mass production, and Apple had completed hardware tests for this feature”. It’s a direct statement that should make a lot of fans excited about the prospect. It is more than likely that Apple has been testing satellite connectivity for a long time, as it was previously rumored to be coming to the iPhone 13 series.

Kuo opines that the need for something like iPhone 14 satellite connectivity is becoming more urgent considering events such as “natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts”. Obviously, first responders do have access to satellite communication equipment, but implementing the feature in a consumer-level device such as the iPhone 14 would allow millions of people to make emergency transmissions wherever, despite tower range and signal strength.

There is the caveat that Apple might not offer the service just yet, as Kuo believes this will depend on the “business model”. In addition, if the iPhone 14 is announced with satellite connectivity support, it will be at a relatively basic level, with a satellite communications specialist already saying that only texting would be initially available. Apple is believed to be working with Globalstar on this vital addition, with the latter announcing a US$327 million deal earlier this year to acquire 17 more satellites, with many believing Apple to be the “potential customer” mentioned in the press release.

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