We are just a few weeks away from knowing the news of the new mobile device of the big apple: the iPhone 13. A few weeks after its presentation, rumors, reports and analyzes are still being launched that suggest new changes that would affect the interior and exterior of the terminal. A few hours ago, analyst Ming Chi-Kuo issued another report in which he commented on the possibility that Low-orbit satellite communication technology (LEO) will come to iPhone 13 to call and send messages without mobile coverage, making use of these satellites instead of terrestrial antennas.
Satellite technology with low orbit satellites (LEO) coming to iPhone 13
In 2019, some media echoed Apple's research on satellite technology to provide communication and call information to iPhones. However, since then there has been no information about it so far. Kuo in his latest report assures that Low-orbit (LEO) satellite communication technology is coming to the iPhone 13.
These low-orbit (LEO) satellites are located between 160 and 2000 kilometers high. There are a large number of satellites flying over this area and they perform a large number of functions. Among which are calls or text messages without the need for a signal through terrestrial antennas. These low-orbit satellites provide latencies of less than 30 ms, with coverage of up to 100 Mbps. If we analyze these data with those offered by geostationary satellites, we see that they are better and where communication companies have been investing in recent years.
There are many doubts about the use that Apple could give to this connection with LEO satellites. However, it is expected to be a turning point for other future products such as the Apple Car or augmented reality glasses. But the device that is closest to us and that is more likely to be compatible with this technology is the iPhone 13.
On the other hand, the iPhone 13 will have a custom Qualcomm X60 chip that would allow these satellite communications. It is unknown if Apple would limit the access of this satellite technology to its services such as FaceTime or iMessages or if this service would have an extra cost for the user.