The iPhone 13 is expected to have LEO satellite communication technology to allow users to make calls and send messages in areas without 4G or 5G coverage, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, a famous and trusted Apple analyst.
According to Arab Net, in a note to investors, Kuo explained that the iPhone 13 lineup will contain devices capable of connecting to LEO satellites. If enabled with relevant software features, this may allow iPhone 13 users to make calls and send messages without the need for a cellular connection.
The iPhone 13 is also said to feature a custom Qualcomm X60 core chip that supports satellite communications. It appears that other smartphone companies are currently waiting until 2022 to adopt the X65 baseband chip needed to implement satellite communications functions.
SpaceX's Starlink is a funder of LEO internet, but LEO satellite service provider is said to be likely to partner with Apple on technology And the coverage of the service is Global Star Company. Qualcomm is also allegedly working with Global Star to support the n53 band in future X65 baseband chips, according to MacRumors and seen by Al Arabiya.net.
Ko explained that the simplest scenario for providing LEO connectivity to users is if mobile operators work with Global Star.
This means that partner carrier customers can use Global Star's satellite communication service on iPhone 13 directly through their carrier without having to Contracts or additional payments.
Ko added that LEO satellite communications is a technology comparable to mmWave 5G in terms of its impact on the network industry and that Apple could benefit from both technologies.
Ko said that Apple is optimistic about the direction of satellite communications and has set up a specific research and development team on related technologies for some time.
The company is believed to have plans to bring LEO satellite communications to more devices in the future to provide innovative experiences.
This could include Apple's head-mounted mixed reality projector, its futuristic electric car, and other IoT accessories, according to Koo.
