Apple opens up Satellite API to developers

Apple is expanding the satellite capabilities of its iPhones beyond just connectivity. The company plans to introduce at least five new satellite-based features soon. According to reports, extensive plans are being developed to add these new capabilities to iPhones, which is considered a revolution in satellite connectivity.

According to Tekna Technology News Media, one of these capabilities is the significant upgrade of Apple’s map application. This update allows the satellite connection to provide routing capabilities in areas with no or poor Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. This will significantly increase the applicability of the map in remote areas.

The messenger application will also be upgraded. Apple plans to enable sending text messages as well as richer content such as photos, emojis and tapbacks through satellite communication. This feature will revolutionize communication in emergency situations or areas without antenna coverage.

Apple is also working on hardware upgrades to make this technology more natural. The goal is that by taking advantage of the latest technical developments, users can maintain a satellite connection even in indoor and closed spaces, while such a connection usually requires a direct line of sight to the satellite.

Support for satellite-based cellular 5G bandwidth is another feature expected to be added to next-generation iPhones. These devices will support 5G or NTN non-terrestrial network technology. This technology allows telecommunication towers to expand their coverage area using satellites.

Finally, the company plans to provide a specialized API. This programming interface allows third-party developers to integrate satellite connectivity capabilities directly into their applications. This action can lead to the creation of innovative applications by other developers.

Of course, it should be noted that Apple, at least at the moment, has no plans to enable voice and video calls or web browsing via satellite. It is also likely that many of these new features will be offered to users in the form of a paid add-on package and will not be free.

Apple currently uses Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure for its SOS emergency call service. This service allows users of iPhone 14 and newer models to share their location and exchange messages with emergency services in areas outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

The implementation of many of these new features requires a significant upgrade of Globalstar’s infrastructure. Some analysts believe that if a company like SpaceX buys Globalstar, Apple will be able to offer these new satellite capabilities to its users much faster.

Recently, there have been reports that Apple and SpaceX may be working together for the satellite connectivity capabilities of the iPhone. SpaceX’s new Starlink satellite designs now support the radio spectrum used by Apple. At the same time, the relationship between Apple and Globalstar seems to be weakening, and Globalstar CEO James Monroe has talked about the possibility of selling his company for more than 10 billion dollars.