Satellite phones offer call and text-based communication. The service is transmitted exclusively via satellites through different networks like Globalstar, Iridium, Inmarsat. If you want to find out how different satellite networks work, and how the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are going to ulitize them, head to this story.
Unlike traditional satellite phones, when it comes to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, satellite connectivity is (initially) expected to boil down to emergency calls. If you have an iPhone, you’d probably know there’s an SOS option when you hold down the power and one of the volume buttons. Apple’s plan is to make this “Emergency SOS” feature work through satellite connection (not exclusively).
As per the most recent report coming from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 satellite features will only be available in select markets. This is an insightful, yet vague reveal, so let’s try and elaborate on it. Would Apple’s satellite-connected iPhone 13 be available only in the US, or perhaps would it be optional according to the market? What if it’s illegal? Spoiler: Yes, it might be.
iPhone 13 satellite connection: Keeping you always connected in case of an emergency
SOS.
Apple has a chance to disrupt the market and bring another unique and exclusive feature to the end-user thanks to the customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip with support for satellite connectivity. Bear in mind, this chip wasn’t supposed to be featured on phones until at least 2022.
Of course, it’s going to be absolutely wonderful to have a satellite connection on your iPhone in case you decide to climb a mountain, sail in the open ocean, or simply find yourself in an emergency due to a natural disaster that limits cell service and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Also, the iPhone 13’s satellite connection capabilities might be way more affordable than those of traditional satellite phones when it comes to plans and outgoing calls/texts. Of course, we are only speculating, but if satellite connectivity is about to reach smartphones (even if it’s for emergency calls/texts), it’s likely that Apple will bring the price of satellite communication down, which will be amazing for the end-user.
The iPhone 13 would literally always connected. This has never happened before, so it’s a bigger deal than you might think. If you can’t rely on Wi-Fi, there’s 5G/4G; if you can’t rely on 5G, there are satellites. Again – remember, this feature is said to be for emergencies only – at least in the beginning. Furthermore, satellite connection isn’t nearly as fast as 5G or Wi-Fi, so you won’t be able to do much more than texting/calling.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 satellite connection: Potential challenges for Apple’s satphone plans
Back in 2018, Indian airport police seized four satellite phones from top German officials, who were on a trip. Use of satellite phones by foreigners is banned in India, especially after the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008.
Is owning a satellite iPhone legal?
You might be wondering: “Why is Apple limiting satellite connection to just emergency texts/calls?” Well, for starters, Cupertino is probably testing the ground, before deciding to commit… fully. However, another, much better reason is that it might be… illegal.
In case you didn’t know, satellite phones are either fully banned or permission for their use isn’t easily obtainable in (at least) 14 countries, which you’ll find listed below. We’ve gone and done the maths for you – that’s roughly 3.25 billion of the world’s population (7.8 billion), which is just over 41% of people who might not be able to take advantage of the iPhone 13’s satellite connection at launch (for one reason or another).
In fact, if Apple decides to make the feature US-only (we’ll talk about that below), even less people will be able to take advantage of it. The thing is, even if you are a US citizen, who bought an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, its satellite-related features might very well be a problem, if you travel in any of these countries:
Bangladesh
Burma (Myanmar)
Chad
China
Cuba
Ethiopia
India
Nicaragua
North Korea (What a shock!)
Russia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Turkmenistan
South Sudan
So, is there a solution? Probably. However, Tim Cook will be skating on thin ice…
Options…
Option 1: Perhaps Apple will have to make this feature optional. As of now, the only smartphone that can connect to satellites (Thuraya X5) lets you toggle the feature on/off just like 4G/5G or Wi-Fi. This still doesn’t make the iPhone a non-satellite phone though.
Option 2: Another “solution” might be that Apple will ship iPhone 13 models without Qualcomm’s X60 baseband chip for satellite connection in some of the countries where satellite phones are banned, illegal, or simply likely to cause trouble for the owner. That’s especially crucial for India and China, which are important markets for Apple, but yet very strict on satellite phone use.
Option 3: As hinted above, another option is that like many new features, satellite calls/texts might be exclusive to the US at launch. This is going to be a pilot study for the domestic market, and while it’s unfortunate that people in other parts of the world might not get it, it would be understandable, if Apple has to go with it. A big hint that this might be exactly what will happen is that Apple’s satellite network partner for this venture is Globalstar.
NOTE: Globalstar’s coverage satellite coverage is strongly focused on the US, Europe, Australia and parts of South America. So, Apple’s decision to partner with Globalstar wouldn’t be a coincidence. Literally every single country listed above (except Nicaragua) that forbid owning a satellite phone is not located in the North America, Europe, South America, or Australia (duh!).
What if satellite iPhones fall into the wrong hands?
Satellite phones have been banned in several countries around the world after terrorist attacks.
If Apple were to open the satellite network for a wider variety of use case scenarios, another challenge might be potential abuse of the features, if the iPhones fall into the wrong hands. Now, disclaimer: this is very much theoretical, but terrorist organizations might be able to take advantage of a widespread satellite network of iPhones. The iPhone is a phone pretty much anyone can get ahold of. Therefore, Cupertino’s decision to limit satellite texts/calls to emergencies seems to be the right one.
If you happen to be abroad or even in the US, there are going to be external factors that might affect your ability to use a satellite connection on your iPhone. If the government decides to shut the network down, you are out of luck. For example, back in 2013, the army in Nigeria announced a ban on satellite phones and had to shut down all communication networks in the northern state of Borno due to terrorist attacks in the area.
No one expected this, but the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are going to be able to talk to satellites. Perhaps not until 2022 though…
The easiest way to find out if you are allowed to use a satellite phone or if your provider supports it as a feature (it often needs to be exclusively enabled on demand) is to contact your embassy in the foreign country where you plan to travel to, or just check government websites.
Calling your provider will also help. In the case of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, you might not need to go through any of this, because the feature will (initially) be limited to emergency taxts/calls.
We are extremely curious to see how Apple plans to handle these technical, political, and socio-cultural aspects of launching a mainstream smartphone that’s capable of satellite connection.
In the end, we don’t want to make it sound more serious than it is – the satellite texts (perhaps at some point calls too) will only be utilized in emergency situations when they hit the iPhone, which is expected to happen in 2022.
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are set to become official on September 14. According to Bloomberg, although Qualcomm’s modified X60 modem will indeed be in the iPhone 13, Apple might hold on until next year to actually enable satellite connectivity, when the iPhone 14 will become a thing as well. It’s another “future-proofing” step from Apple, and we aren’t surprised at all.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
