iPhone 14 Could Add New Satellite Features, but People Might Never Use Them

Apple is rumored to be adding a new non-cellular satellite communication feature to the upcoming iPhone 14 lineup, but experts believe its use may be limited.

Apple hasn’t confirmed satellite communications, but The rumor mill is powerful, while it was expected to launch with the iPhone 13 last year, the new addition is now expected to finally debut next week. Experts believe that most people are unlikely to use satellite functions on a regular basis, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come in handy for some people — especially in emergencies where there’s no other option.

“If long-planned iPhone satellite capabilities do appear in this generation, expect them to focus on emergency services, such as the ability to send short texts to emergency contacts or services,” Apple analyst and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman Tell Lifewire via direct message. “Another feature will allow users to report specific events, such as car crashes, plane crashes or boating accidents, from areas without cellular reception.”

an important addition

If Apple does bring satellite connectivity to this year’s iPhone 14 lineup, experts believe we should expect a pair of Very Certain situations, but not changing the way we use our iPhones in our day-to-day use. “Even if the rumors are true, the ability to trigger emergency beacons or text alerts could be a niche use case,” benwoodThe lead analyst at CCS Insight told Lifewire via email. “In most cases, users will have a cellular connection, so they can rely on it.”

But this is the case with a reliable cellular connection no Experts believe this feature will be crucial. TF International Securities Analyst Guo Mingchiwritten through Moderate, it is believed that the satellite communication function of the iPhone 14 will be specially used for emergencies.Bloomberg also reported that people might be able to Contact first responders And report incidents, even without cellular coverage—current iPhones can’t do that.

Satellite Communications Consultant Tim Farrar Apple is also expected to enter the satellite market for the first time. Tweet about recent similar announcements production Via T-Mobile and SpaceXhe concluded: “The only possible conclusion is [the T-Mobile/SpaceX announcement] Aims to get ahead of Apple’s announcement of a free messaging service with Globalstar next week,” before adding that the partnership between the two companies “should begin as soon as the new phones are released. “The iPhone 14 lineup is expected to be announced At an event on September 7th.

Features no one wants to use

Similar to the Apple Watch’s ECG and other active health-oriented features, could the iPhone 14 satellite feature be a seldom-used feature, but at worst an important one?People wish their Apple Watch would never warn them of a heart attack, but the feature has been proven save life.

“I think it’s one of those insurance features that you hope you’ll never need, but you’d appreciate it [you have],” carolina namans, Creative Strategies’ president and principal analyst told Lifewire via email. If Apple does add such a feature to the iPhone 14 lineup, Milanesi and others see it as something that people would be happy to keep, not something they would use regularly in their daily lives.

If that’s the case, some experts believe Apple needs to work harder to get potential iPhone 14 buyers to care about features they rarely use, if any. “If this new feature does come to fruition, I’d be interested to see how Apple pitches it to consumers,” Wood added via email. He’s not alone, and Milanesi also said that if Apple does plan to do so, she’d be “curious about how Apple will bring it to market as a security feature.”