Rumors have been circulating for the last day or two that suggest Apple is set to bring some sort of satellite connectivity to iPhones — beginning with iPhone 13.
The rumors first originated from the normally reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, but there is a growing collection of people who think he might have gotten this one wrong.
As reported by MacRumors, a number of analysts are now pointing to a specific band of 4G and 5G that was previously to be designed for satellite use. However, it’s now been repurposed for ground-based communications — and it’s all owned by Globalstar, a company with its roots in satellites.
It’s easy to see why things might have gotten confused. Especially when mentioning iPhone 13 support for Globalstar’s n53 band.
Many people have pointed out the issue between Kuo’s prediction and the actual function of the n53 band. PCMag’s Sascha Segan, for example, says that while the X60 may have the support for Globalstar’s Band 53, that in no way means that it’s going to communicate with satellites. Other Twitter users have pointed out similar issues, and have provided more technical details for those interested.
OKAY. I think I may have gotten to the bottom of this "iPhone 13 will include satellite connectivity" rumor, and it could be "iPhone Math" levels of game-of-telephone. The key: Globalstar.
— Sascha C-Band (@saschasegan) August 30, 2021
1/ No, the iPhone 13 will not talk to satellites.
Instead, the iPhone will (according to rumors) now support another radio band for 4G/5G that was previously assigned to satellite service but which now can be used for terrestrial service.
— Robᵉʳᵗ Graham (@ErrataRob) August 30, 2021
While Kuo is normally accurate with his reporting, it appears that this instance might be a case of misunderstanding or translation issues. Regardless, it seems unlikely iPhone 13 will talk to satellites this time around. But next year might be a different story!
You may also like to check out:
- Download: Windows 11 Build 22000.132 ISO Beta Released With A New Snipping Tool And More
- How To Install Windows 11 On A Mac Using Boot Camp Today
- iOS 15 Beta Compatibility For iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Devices
- 150+ iOS 15 Hidden Features For iPhone And iPad [List]
- Download iOS 15 Beta 6 IPSW Links And Install On iPhone And iPad
- iOS 15 Beta 6 Profile File Download Without Developer Account, Here’s How
- How To Downgrade iOS 15 Beta To iOS 14.6 / 14.7 [Tutorial]
- How To Install macOS 12 Monterey Hackintosh On PC [Guide]
- iOS 15 Beta 5 Download Expected Release Date
- Download: iOS 14.7.1 IPSW Links, OTA Profile File Along With iPadOS 14.7.1 Out Now
- Jailbreak iOS 14.7.1 Using Checkra1n, Here’s How-To [Guide]
- How To Downgrade iOS 14.7.1 And iPadOS 14.7.1 [Guide]
- Convert Factory Wired Apple CarPlay To Wireless Apple CarPlay In Your Car Easily, Here’s How
- Apple Watch ECG App Hack: Enable Outside US In Unsupported Country On Series 5 & 4 Without Jailbreak
You can follow us on Twitter, or Instagram, and even like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the Web.