Apple is working on more Satellite-powered features for iPhones

Apple wants to expand its Satellite-powered features on iPhones. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that Apple is working on 5 new features.

As you may know, Apple introduced some Emergency SOS via Satellite features when it launched the iPhone 14 in 2022. It lets you text emergency services, send and receive messages, use the Find My app to update your location, or text roadside assistance, all via satellite. These features are only available in some Countries, but they have saved many lives.

The first of the new features that Apple is prepping is an API that will allow third-party app developers to access the satellite framework in iOS, and use it for their own app. But this doesn't mean that every feature or service will be available to all apps.

Next is Satellite-powered maps. GPS uses Satellite, and works offline. So, what's the big deal? Well, navigation doesn't work offline in Apple Maps, unless you have downloaded some maps already. That's what Apple wants to bring, satellite connectivity to Apple Maps, for navigation. Satellite-powered navigation could be a lifesaver if you don't have cell coverage in an area and want to find your way to the nearest gas station, hotel, etc.

Currently, Emergency SOS via Satellite is limited to text messages. Apple is working on improving this, by allowing users to send photos via satellite. This could help rescuers understand the situation better, identify a place by landmark, or perhaps to help them prepare better, for example, the medical condition of the person in need of assistance, the state of their injury if any, etc.

Apple's current Satellite features require an unobstructed view of the sky, you have to point your iPhone in the direction of a Satellite for the phone to connect and transmit data over the Satellite. The Cupertino company wants to enhance this experience, by letting users stay connected to Satellite even if their iPhone is in a pocket, or a car, or even indoors. This "natural usage" approach could come in handy if a user is injured or otherwise unable to reach/use their phone, let alone point it at the sky.

Finally, Apple wants to add support for Satellite over 5G, the next iPhones will reportedly support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), which will allow cell towers to use satellites for increased coverage.

Google recently added support for live video during emergency calls on Android.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Apple is working on more Satellite-powered features for iPhones appeared first on gHacks Technology News.