Final yr, rumors in regards to the iPhone 13 getting satellite tv for pc connectivity began to unfold. Though this iPhone didn’t get the function, it’s rumored that the upcoming iPhone 14 may have it for emergencies or to ship brief texts to emergency contacts when out of mobile service vary.
Now, based on a brand new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the subsequent Apple Watch may additionally function this further know-how.
In his Energy On publication, the journalist says ”the Apple Watch can also be destined to get that performance,” though Gurman believes Apple’s timeframe could possibly be this yr or 2023.
Whether or not it’s on the iPhone or Apple Watch, the know-how would offer an alternative choice to the Garmin inReach Explorer and SPOT, handheld satellite tv for pc communicators with related options.
There have been indicators currently that Apple and its obvious satellite tv for pc accomplice Globalstar Inc. could be getting nearer to launching such a function. In February, Globalstar stated it reached an settlement to purchase 17 new satellites to assist energy ’steady satellite tv for pc providers’ for a ’potential’– and unnamed – cusstomer that had paid it a whole lot of thousands and thousands of {dollars}.
Since rumors level out that Apple could possibly be aiming for 3 new Apple Watches this yr – the common mannequin, a brand new SE, and a brand-new Watch destined for excessive sports activities – it could make sense if no less than the common mannequin and the rugged Apple Watch each get this function.
Final yr, Gurman was already uncertain about satellite tv for pc communication launching with the iPhone 13 by saying the {hardware} wasn’t prepared but for the brand new telephones. Now, even when this function launches this yr, it would probably be restricted to key markets. Right here’s what he wrote in August 2021:
The emergency options will solely work in areas with none mobile protection and solely in choose markets. Apple envisions ultimately deploying its personal array of satellites to beam knowledge to units, however that plan is probably going years away from taking off.
Do you suppose this could possibly be the subsequent massive function on the Apple Watch? You may learn our full roundup of what to anticipate in regards to the Apple Watch Sequence 8 right here. Don’t neglect to share your ideas within the feedback part under.
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