Satellite connectivity is certainly one of the most important features. Apple and other phone manufacturers have added in recent years. The cell signal is good as, it is not possible to cover every square inch of the planet – so if you are in trouble in sticks, the satellite means that you can call for help.
But Apple may face some problems in this department, according to a new report of information. Not only its satellite connectivity business is basically much smaller than imagination, but it can also withstand issues from various internal and external parties.
This includes SpaceX and Starlink, which are companies controlled by Elon Musk. Even Apple officials have allegedly changed against the project. What do we know here?
Spacex Apple wanted the satellite on ambitions
According to the report, in 2022, SpaceX CEO Elone Musk approached Apple with a proposal. Instead of partnering with Globalstar, which allowed the iPhone to send emergency messages and calls through the satellite, Musk wanted Starlink Internet service to play the role instead.
Apparently the pitch was that SpaceX would be an exclusive satellite connectivity provider for 18 months, in which Apple pays $ 5 billion. After that, Musk wanted to pay $ 1 billion per year to give Starlink access on Apple iPhone. To shut down it, he gave 72 hours to decide Apple, and if Apple rejected him, threatened to launch his own iPhone satellite feature.
Apple rejected the proposal at which Musk announced a Starlink partnership with T-Mobile. It essentially offered the same thing, which was called through emergency texting and starlink, but revealed a month before the iPhone 14 launch event.
Apple’s satellite options could have been much better
Information notes that Apple’s original satellite ambitions included participation with Boeing to offer full satellite-based internet-that only emergency communication. It will essentially act like a starlink, which now beaming the internet and beaming different antennas that people can use at home. The general idea is that if Apple operated his network, he did not have to rely on the phone carrier.
Apple eventually returned, CEO Tim Cook expressed concern that it could affect the company’s relations with the telecom industry. Other people inside Apple were worried that it could push Apple far away towards being a telecom provider, which would expose it to even more government regulation.
While those plans were briefly revived in 2023, after the launch of the emergency SOS through the satellite feature, Apple shut down again. Again it did not want to disturb the telecom partners, but possibly due to cost concerns.
For the danger of regulation, advisors recommended the Apple Pass Officement of all the equipment to the globaster to avoid this issue. Although it is not suggest that if the Apple ever tries to expand those characteristics, there are such close ties with the Trump administration of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Spacex can make things hard for Apple (and others)
The report also states that SpaceX feels that it is making Apple’s satellite difficult to work properly.
Company filed back in 2023 Complaint with FCCTo object to the application of Globalstar to launch new satellites. In this, SpaceX accused the company of mandating the spectrum – and stopped the possible competition in the process. Apple was nominated in this filing, allegedly harassing Apple officials who wanted to maintain their distance from the situation.
Without globalstar, Apple’s satellite communication features will be completely useless until the company can find another partner. Google will also be in the same boat, as the emergency satellite system on the pixel phone also uses a network of globstar.
Apple and Spacex have also clashed on the issue of supporting Starlink through T-mobile. Musk has allegedly asked Apple to support the convenience on “a wide range of its iPhone models”, although Apple was clearly reluctant to do anything older than the iPhone 13. However, it seems to be somewhat trusting, as the iPhone will be able to send a satellite message to the T-mobile after launching in July 13.
In addition, since Starlink is offering that service, many voices in Apple have questioned the feasibility of the service offering if carriers can add their own satellite connectivity features. Which, I understand, although considering T-Mobile is the only satellite provider. Apple right now supports all types of moot.
This will not be a good look for Apple to remove a possible life-saving feature, even if it means that people will have to start paying for it.
