With the Apple iPhone 13, will an iOS smartphone be launched this year that meets the hardware requirements for satellite telephony? That could be the case if you believe current rumors. However, these do not come from anyone, but from the analyst Ming-Chi Kuowho has good contacts in Apple's supply chains. According to his information, which is around Bloomberg and MacRumors are picked up, the Qualcomm X60 chip could be used. This is a cellular modem that also enables satellite telephony via the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The feature is intended primarily for emergency calls in remote areas.
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Apple has been on the road to space calls since 2017
As the individual sources show, Apple has been working on getting satellite telephony into the repertoire of iPhone functions since 2017. Incidentally, that was published in the same year iPhone 8 and iPhone X - just to classify them "historically" in the product range. After four years, the iPhone 13 could now be equipped with a Qualcomm X60 to enable emergency calls from remote regions of the world. In mountains, at sea and in areas with poor radio links, emergency calls by phone or in text form would then be conceivable. From 2022, it is said, the Qualcomm X65 could then be used, which other manufacturers are currently waiting for in order to achieve satellite compatibility.
Satellite telephony with the iPhone 13: what should it cost?
The additional technology or additional LEO functionality of the cellular chip in the new iPhone will of course also have an impact on the sales price. It is possible that only the Pro and / or Pro Max models of the iPhone 13 support the feature. Accordingly, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini could be much cheaper. In addition to the device price, there is of course the tariff required for satellite communication. It is rumored here and there that Apple could team up with SpaceX and the Starlink team. In the sources given, however, Globalstar is shown to be more likely. Globalstar tariffs are also available as a prepaid version, but in the higher double-digit euro range.
Date of the keynote: When will the iPhone 13 be presented?
Today is September 1st, 2021 - which means that the next Apple Special Event will be announced soon. The traditional September keynote was supposed to bring out a new generation of iPhones this year. In addition, new iPad and MacBook Pro models as well as new AirPods, a new Apple Watch and the like are expected. However, there may be several presentations again, which will be split over September, October and November. You can find information and rumors on the subject in these posts:
- Date of the Apple iPhone Keynote 2021 (rumor)
- Apple September Keynote 2021 - All the products we expect
- Apple events in autumn 2021: MacBook Pro in October, iPad mini in November?
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[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.
