The iPhone 13 may be able to send and receive calls and messages even without cell coverage. But how? According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the future smartphone will use a network of low-orbit (LEO) communication satellites, orbiting at an altitude of 2,000 km. In the future, Apple will be able to use this technology in its enhanced reality headset, car and other IoT (Internet of Things) accessories.

To achieve this, the iPhone 13 is based on an updated version of the Qualcomm X60 modem, so a customization that allows you to activate a “satellite mode”. Analyst does not say that satellite communications can only be received and sent using services from Apple (for example, FaceTime). It is also not known if there will be an additional charge for these communications.

The new rumor, which comes just weeks before the keynote address, is surprising, but rumors of Apple’s interest in satellites are not new. As early as 2015, Apple would have Near Boeing To develop a communication satellite. In 2019, Bloomberg The builder taught us that there is Strengthened the team of engineers Around these satellite projects.