Apple’s iPhone 14 series is expected to launch at its ‘Far Out’ event scheduled for September 7. The rumored smartphone series has many leaks and tips ahead of the upcoming event. Now, a well-known analyst has shared an update on a survey, which suggests that Apple has completed hardware testing of the satellite communication feature on the iPhone 14 before it enters mass production. However, the analyst believes that Apple will have to tie up with satellite operators to offer the feature on its upcoming smartphones.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared an update on the new survey through medium According to Kuo, Apple has completed hardware testing for satellite communication support on the rumored iPhone 14 before entering mass production. However, its availability on the handset is still in question as Apple will have to strike a deal with a satellite operator.
Kuo said Apple had also developed satellite communication hardware for the iPhone 13, but it was not integrated because the company was unable to negotiate a business model with satellite operators. Therefore, the analyst believes that the availability of satellite communication services on the iPhone 14 will depend on whether the two can agree on a contract to offer the functionality.
The analyst added that the satellite communication feature on the iPhone 14 will only provide emergency text and voice services. Kuo said that satellite communication will become an essential feature for smartphones in the future. Although, the analyst cannot say exactly when and if iPhone models will get this feature, he believes that Apple’s smartphones will eventually offer satellite functionality.
Kuo added that Apple has likely partnered with a satellite operator called Globalstar. In the satellite communications ecosystem, operators like Globalstar have the highest entry barriers, the analyst said.
Apple recently announced that the company will host a ‘Far Out’ launch event on September 7. During the event, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 14 series along with other Apple products including the new Apple Watch and iPad models, according to previous reports.
