Rumor | The iPhone 14 series will be the first of the line to use the Apple satellite network

The iPhone 13 series' successors is said to be devices with a number of significant updates, if not long-awaited shifts in design, over their existing counterparts. Not only is the line believed to contain the first ever Apple mobile devices with punch-hole displays, they may also even launch with the ability to connect to a proprietary network. No, not UWB this time: satellites.

According to the famous tech correspondent Mark Gurman, Apple has partnered with Globalstar to set up what is referred to as a 17-satellite network for "continuous" connectivity for...something. This allegedly multi-million-dollar agreement is projected to serve devices such as 2022's latest iPhones, which will accordingly debut with the necessary hardware.

In fact, the initiative was apparently originally intended for older models, although that idea might have been delayed out of existence. However, the network is now thought to be ready for the 14 series. Then again, this new kind of non-GSM connectivity may not turn these devices into replacements for others such as those of the Garmin inReach line any time soon.

Instead, Gurman asserts that the new network will confer the ability to either send short texts to emergency contacts or call first-responder services should the user be out of conventional coverage, and nothing more. These functions may also be coming to Apple Watches of the new 8 series.

Therefore, this new and apparently exclusive feature may not mean a lot to some consumers - although it may prove an upgrade-worthy argument to others. In any case, it will be interesting to see if anything new that could relate to satellite use pops up during Apple's upcoming WWDC event.