The iPhone 13’s rumored satellite tv for pc hyperlink sounds prefer it’s only for emergencies

Apple plans to allow you to join your iPhone to satellites so you possibly can contact emergency companies in areas that don’t have mobile protection, according to a new Bloomberg report. Bloomberg’s article was printed after Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated Sunday that the iPhone 13 could possibly make satellite tv for pc calls. Kuo usually reveals particulars about Apple’s plans earlier than the corporate formally proclaims them, however Bloomberg’s sources point out that Apple’s strategy for iPhone satellite tv for pc connectivity could also be extra restricted to start out.

One function, known as Emergency Message by way of Satellite, will allow you to textual content emergency companies and emergency contacts whenever you don’t have a cell sign by harnessing a satellite tv for pc community, based on Bloomberg. These messages may have a size restrict and be represented as a gray bubble as an alternative of the inexperienced used for SMS messages and the blue used for iMessages. And whenever you’re sending one among these messages to an emergency contact, it’s going to reportedly push by way of even when they’ve Do Not Disturb mode turned on, which may assist make sure that your message is seen.

Another function will let customers report emergencies. “The phone will ask what kind of emergency is happening, such as whether it involves a car, boat, plane or fire,” Bloomberg reviews. You’ll additionally be capable to ship data akin to your location and your Medical ID (which you’ll be able to arrange within the Health app). You may be capable to notify emergency contacts on the identical time you report an emergency.

Bloomberg reviews that the subsequent iPhone might need the required {hardware} to make satellite tv for pc calls. But a supply tells Bloomberg that the brand new options in all probability gained’t be prepared earlier than subsequent 12 months, throwing chilly water on the concept that you would possibly be capable to use them as quickly as you purchase the subsequent iPhone.

Apple didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

The new satellite tv for pc hyperlink options, if they’re launched, may assist ease fears about with the ability to contact emergency companies in a time of want or whenever you’re away from a mobile community. There’s additionally the likelihood the options may present one other strategy to get in contact with emergency companies within the occasion of 911 outages, which do occur often.