IPhone 13 Satellite Phone Capability Doesn't Live Up To Expectations

The fact that the iPhone 13 will be equipped with satellite phone call connectivity is likely to be disappointing. (photo credit: ian Zelbo/twitter)

JAKARTA – In a previous report stating that the iPhone 13 will be equipped with satellite phone call connectivity seems to be disappointing.

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, quoted from Engadget, Monday, September 6, has just reported that the technology will run or function only in areas without a cellular network or certain markets.

That means, this technology will likely not serve as a backup when cellular service is unstable in the user's area.

Apple is reportedly looking to launch its own satellite to provide more data coverage, but that plan could be years away. Users will also not be able to make non-emergency calls anytime soon.

Previously reported, the iPhone 13 was claimed to use a modified Qualcomm X60 modem for satellite services. However, it may not be ready to function as a full-featured satellite phone. Gurman added that carrier fees and refusals might prevent Apple from offering satellite phones over conventional networks.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also recently claimed that the iPhone 13 will be able to connect directly to low-Earth orbit (or LEO) satellites. LEO satellites are perhaps best known as the backbone of Elon Musk's Starlink internet service, which relies on satellites in lower orbits to deliver internet to subscribers and avoids some of the common pitfalls of satellite internet, including high latency, and general outages.

Kuo added that LEO satellite communication is a technology that is comparable to mm-Wave 5G in terms of its impact on the network industry, Apple can take advantage of both technologies. Kuo said Apple was optimistic about the satellite communications trend and formed a special team for research and development of related technologies some time ago.

However, this report has not been officially confirmed by Apple, so it's worth waiting until the iPhone 13 launches this September.