In November 2025, according to latest electronics news, Apple is accelerating the expansion of iPhone’s satellite communication capabilities. It plans to break the current limitation of only supporting emergency scenarios and cover more use cases such as 5G networks and daily communication, aiming to completely solve the mobile phone “no service” problem. This move not only demonstrates Apple’s technological ambition but also reflects a new round of exploration into communication boundaries in the global mobile phone industry.
Apple’s satellite communication layout began a decade ago, with the initial vision of replacing ground-based base stations with satellite networks to achieve seamless global connectivity. In 2022, the iPhone 14 launched satellite emergency rescue functions, marking a key step forward. In 2024, it realized network-free satellite iMessage communication, freeing the function from rescue scenarios. The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released in 2025, also added satellite communication support, completing multi-device coverage.
According to the latest plan, Apple will roll out several core function upgrades: opening up a satellite framework for third-party applications to allow developers to access satellite connections; integrating satellite navigation into Apple Maps to break free from cellular network and Wi-Fi dependence; enhancing satellite iMessage to support image transmission; optimizing usage scenarios to achieve satellite connections in pockets, cars, and even indoors; and equipping next year’s iPhone with 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) hardware to help cellular base stations expand coverage through satellites. However, Apple has no plans to provide first-party services such as satellite calls or video chats for the time being.
Currently, Apple’s satellite services are provided by Globalstar, a company with a small scale and aging satellite network. Notably, Elon Musk’s Starlink is planning to acquire Globalstar for $10 billion. Previously, Starlink proposed to become the exclusive satellite provider for iPhones but was rejected by Apple. If the acquisition is completed, Apple may face a cooperation decision. Industry insiders predict that Starlink’s technological advantages may prompt Apple to put aside differences and reach a collaboration.
Apple has always avoided becoming a satellite operator, both to evade regulatory risks and because this identity is unlikely to bring significant returns. Its strategy will likely involve making basic satellite functions freely available, while advanced services will be provided as paid options by third-party operators such as Starlink. Currently, operators including Japan’s KDDI and Canada’s Rogers have announced Starlink’s paid satellite messaging services for certain Apple Watch models.
Apple is not alone in the satellite communication track. Looking back, Motorola’s “Iridium project” in the 1990s failed due to excessive costs. But today, with frequent extreme weather and common weak signal scenarios, satellite communication has evolved from an adventure-exclusive feature to a practical “just-in-case” tool, becoming an important consideration for consumers when purchasing mobile phones. Actions such as Apple restarting the development of “walkie-talkie” functions and Starlink adjusting satellite frequency bands to adapt to mobile phones all indicate that the vision of unrestricted communication is drawing near. From emergency rescue to daily use, from mobile phones to watches, satellite communication is gradually breaking down scenario and device limitations. This revolution in communication technology is not only a competition among mobile phone manufacturers but also a return to and realization of the original demand for “communication anytime, anywhere.”
