Apple’s rumored iPhone satellite tv for pc assist could also be for emergency calls and messages | Engadget

The rumored satellite tv for pc options for future iPhones are reserved for emergency makes use of solely, in line with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. A couple of days in the past, a report by well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned the subsequent iPhones will include assist for Low Earth Orbit satellite tv for pc calls and messages. Gurman’s sources mentioned, nonetheless, that Apple is not turning its units into precise satellite tv for pc telephones, at the very least for now. Instead, the tech big is reportedly growing at the very least two emergency-related options counting on satellite tv for pc networks. 

The first characteristic known as Emergency Message through Satellite and will probably be added as a 3rd protocol, alongside iMessage and SMS, to the Messages app. It’s apparently codenamed Stewie inside the corporate and can enable customers to textual content emergency providers even when there isn’t any sign, which sounds particularly helpful throughout emergencies in distant areas, comparable to mountains and forests.

The device may even give customers a approach to textual content their emergency contacts just by typing Emergency SOS within the recipient line. Messages will probably be restricted to a shorter size, however the senders’ contacts will get a notification for them even when their telephone is ready to Do Not Disturb. Satellite messages will seem as grey bubbles as a substitute of blue or inexperienced to allow them to be simply recognized. Eventually, the characteristic might deal with telephone calls, as nicely.

Apple can be reportedly engaged on a second satellite tv for pc characteristic that can enable customers to report disaster conditions like aircraft crashes and fires. This system will give customers a approach to report the incident at size and can ask them specifics, comparable to if anyone wants search-and-rescue providers or if anyone within the neighborhood is armed. It also can routinely ship authorities the reporter’s location and their particulars from the Health app, comparable to their medical historical past, age, drugs and knowledge like top and weight. The characteristic also can a notify the reporter’s emergency contacts for them.

While each options sound helpful, their availability is restricted by satellite tv for pc location and attain. They may not work for some areas, and in some instances, customers could must stroll outside in a sure course the place their iPhone can connect with a satellite tv for pc. Also, Gurman’s sources mentioned it is unlikely that the options will probably be prepared earlier than the yr ends, which suggests the subsequent iPhones anticipated be introduced someday in September will not be capable of ship messages through satellite tv for pc but.